».>^^gaiw-.„ffB»pr>in— ■!■,■ 


PVIODERN     STANDARD     DRAMA 

EDITED  BY  EPES  SARGENT 
No.  Lll. 


E  V  A  D  N  E 


OR, 


THE    STATUE. 


IN  FIVE  ACTS. 


BY    ttlGHARD    SHEIL 


WITH  THE  STAGE  BUSINESS,  CAST  OF  CHARACTERS,  COS- 
TUMES,  RELATIVE  POSITIONS,  &c. 


NEW-VOnKj 
Vm.  TAYLOR  &  CO.,  18  AnnStreet. 

BALTIMOBE,  SID./. 
WIL  &  HENRY  TAYLOR,  Sun  Iroa  BuMngg. 

PRICE   12  1-2  CENTS. 


iESSSJ 


PROSPECTUS 

OF 

THE  AMERICAN  DEAMA: 

A  Series  of  Plays  by  American  Authors. 


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WILLIAM  TAYT.OR  &  CO. 

No.  18  Ann-strBit. 


rvi  o  D  E  a  i^i    s  r  ahd  aro    drama 

EDITED  BY  EPES  SARGENT. 
No.  Lll. 


E  V  A  D  N  E 


OR, 

THE     STATUE. 

IN    FIVE     ACTS. 
BY     RICHARD     SHEIL. 

fvITll    THE  STAGE  BUSINESS,   CASTS    OF  CH5^RACTEHS. 
COSTUMES,  REJ.ATIVE  POSITIONS,  ETC. 


i\U':W-YOiaC: 
WM.  TAYLOR  &  CO.,  18  Ann-Street. 

BALTIMORE,  MI).,: 
WM.  &  HENRY  TAYLOR,  Sun  Iron  Buildings. 


PRICE    12  1-2   CENTS 


EDITORIAL    INTKODUCnON. 

The  following  is  the  preface  of  the  author  of  the  London  edi- 
tion of  this  play,  published  by  Murray,  in  1819 : — 

"  The  author  has  employed  a  part  of  the  fable  of  Shirley's  *  l^ray- 
tor,^  in  the  construction  of  his  plot.  In  that  tragedy,  a  kinsinan,  and 
favoi-ite  of  the  Duke  of  Florence,  contrives  to  excite  in  him  a  dishono- 
rable passion  for  the  sister  of  a  Florentine  nobleman,  as  the  means  of 
procuring  the  murder  of  the  Duke  by  the  hand  of  the  injured  brother; 
and  thus  opening  the  way  for  his  own  elevation  to  the  throne. 

"  To  that  extent  only,  the  plot  of  this  tragedy  is  derived  from  Shir- 
ley. The  incidents,  situations,  distribution,  charactei's,  and  language, 
such  as  they  are,  the  author  hopes  he  may  be  pardoned  for  observing, 
are  his  own.  It  will,  perhaps,  be  thought,  that  this  detracts  from  his 
claim  to  the  merit  of  originality — he  does  not  think  so.  No  one  con- 
tends against  the  originality  of '  Douglas,'  because  Home  took  his  plot 
from  an  old  ballad,  and  even  profited  by  the  '  Merope'  of  Voltaire. 
Rowe's  *  Fair  Penitent' is  a  a  still  stronger  case;  that  fine  tragedy  is 
modelled  on  Massinger's 'Fatal  Dowry ;'  Otway  and  Southerne  rai^ely 
invented  their  plots. 

"  The  author  ti-usts  his  introduction  of  these  names  will  not  be  misin- 
terpreted. He  mentions  them  for  the  purpose  of  justifying  himself, 
by  the  authority  of  their  example." 

It  was  when  a  young  man,  and  engaged  in  the  study  of  the 
law,  that  Mr.  Shiel  betook  hin»self  to  dramatic  writing,  with  the 
view  of  increasing  an  income,  which  was  by  no  means  too  abun- 
dant for  his  wants.  The  success  of  "  The  Apostate^"  his  first 
production,  was  encouraging;  and  "  Bellaraira"  and  '*  Evadne" 
soon  followed.  The  last  named-play  is  that  by  which  he  is  most 
favorably  known  in  the  theatrical,  if  not  the  literary  vvorld.  It 
was  written  for  Miss  O'Niell,  who,  in  the  part  of  the  heroine, 
justified  the  author's  estimate  of  her  powers,  and  won  new  lau 
rels  for  herself  and  him.  The  following  remarks  upon  the  play 
and  its  performance,  by  one  who  witnessed  one  of  its  earliest  re 
presentations,  seem  to  us  just  and  appropriate  : — 


YX  EDITORIAL    INTRODUCTION 

"  To  the  plot  and  the  incidents,  by  which  it  is  worked  out. 
we  can  olfer  ahnost  unquahfied  praise.  It  has  quite  enough  oi 
unitv  for  all  the  purposes  of  the  drama.  The  guilty  ambition 
of  Ludovico  is  the  spring  which  sets  every  part  in  morion. 
Every  incident  flows  naturally  an"d  intelligibly  from  its  immedi- 
ate and  assigned  cause,  and  all  conduce  to  bear  him  on  nearrr 
towards  the  object  of  his  desires — the  crown — till  at  length,  in 
the  last  scene,  he  is  on  the  point  of  seizing  it — but  at  the  very 
moment  when  he  seems  to  feel  its  golden  round  upon  his  brow, 
and  in  imagination  presses  the  sceptre  in  his  grasp,  retributi.on 
falls  upon  him  like  a  thunderbolt,  and  closes  his  career. 

"  The  events  on  which  the  chief  interest  of  the  piece  depends, 
are  brought  about  with  great  skill.  They  are  every  one  made 
'  probable  to  thinking.'  It  is  impossible  for  Vicentio  to  resist  tho 
evidence  which  Ludovico  offers  him  of  Evadnei's  falsehood,  when 
coupled  with  the  changing  of  the  pictures — it  impossible  for  Co- 
lonna  to  refuse  the  office  which  Ludovico  forces  upon  him,  of 
killing  the  King — and  it  is  impossible  for  the  King  himself — 
young  and  pot  wholly  depraved  as  he  is — to  withstand  the  ap- 
peal which  Evadne  makes  to  him,  in  the  shadowy  presence  of 
her  great  and  glorious  ancestors.  The  minor  incidents,  too  — 
the  treachery  of  Olivia  — the  combat  between  Colonna  and  Vi- 
centio— the  intended  sacrifice  of  his  hand,  which  Vicentio  makes 
to  Olivia,  &c.,  are  all  absolutely  essential  to  the  progress  of  the 
plot,  and  yet  none  have  the  appearance  of  being  forced,  or  out  of 
place. 

"  The  charm  of  the  piece  is  the  character  of  Evadne.  She 
is  a  woman  in  the  truest  and  strictest,  yet  most  delightful  sense 
of  the  term.  Love,  trusting  and  endearing  love,  is  the  very 
breath  of  hpr  existence.  She  has  deliberately  chosen  T^centio 
to  be  lord  of  her  life — the  home  and  temple  of  her  thoughts  and 
affections — and  nothing  can  turn  them  aside  from  their  course. 
Ke  may  discard  her,  but  she  cannot  forsake  him. 

"  Of  the  language  of  the  pla\'  we  must  speak  in  terms  of  cen- 
sure. It  is  everywhere  disfigured  by  marks  of  feebleness  and 
haste.  The  imagery  is  frequently  harsh  and  extravagant,  or  far- 
fetched and  alFectcd,  or  made  up  of  mere  commonplaces. 

•'  It  would  be  difficult  for  a  play  to  be  better  acted  throughout, 


EDrrORIAL    IXTIIODUCTION.  Vll 

than  this  was  on  its  first  presentation  at  Covent  Garden.  Mr. 
Macready's  Ludovico  displayed  finished  judgment  in  every  part. 
Some  passages  of  it  were  very  fine — particularly  those  in  which 
he  resumes  his  natural  haughty  and  ambitious  character,  after 
he  has  been  hypocritically  humble  before  the  IGng.  Mr.  Young 
played 'Co/onna  in  a  fine,  free,  loose,  oriental  style  ;  and  he  gave 
the  declamatory  parts  with  great  power.  The  young  and  high- 
spirited  Vicentio  \vq.<  also  extremely  well  adapted  to  Mr.  C. 
Kemble.  But  Miss  O'Neill  in  Evadne,  was  really  and  truly 
herself.  The  character  is  better  suited  to  her  powers  than  any 
she  has  yet  played,  except,  perhaps,  Julia  and  Dcsdemona.'^ 

This  play  is  rather  better  known  to  the  frequenters  of  the  pro- 
vincial theatres  than  to  those  of  the  metropolis ;  but  it  has  me- 
rits and  capabilities,  which  will  long  redeem  it  from  obscurit3\ 
Remarkable  effect  is  given  to  the  character  of  Evadne  by  Mrs, 
Shaw,  whose  fine  talents  ought  to  be  oftener  exerted  in  this  and 
kindred  parts.  This  play  was  originally  produced  at  CovenJ 
Garden,  in  18ia 


CAST     OF     CHARACTERS. 

Carent  Garden,  1313.        Bouery,  1811 

The  King  of  Naples 3Ir.  Abbott.  Mr.  Jordan. 

liudotico,  his  favourite •'     Macready.  "     .N'rafie. 

Coionna "     Young-.  •'     Booth. 

Vicentio "     C.  Kenible.  "     Clarke. 

Spalatro "     Connor.  "     Vouue. 

Ecadne Miss  O'Neill.  Mrs.  Shaw. 

Olivia Mrs.  Faucit.  '*     MadiwD. 

^c^vs.— Naples. 


COSTUMES. 

THE  KI\G. — Kinp's  shirt  of  royal  purple  velvet,  reaching  nearly  to  the  ancle, 

handsomely  trimmed  with  pold  leather  and  spanprhs,  al.-o  with  ernine,  hanging 

sieeve.<.  with  tijrht  ones  unrlcr;  richly  trimmed  over-robe  of  dark  jrreen  velvet 

and  gold,  wiiite  silk  tights,  black  velvet  shoes,  and  handsome  fillet  of  jewels,  &c. 
LUDOVICO.— Cream-coloured  tight  pantaloons,  trimmed  up  the  sidrs  with  red  and 

pold,  jacket  and  fly  to  m".tc!i,  same  style  as  lago's,  white  plumes  and  cap,  yellow 

Hessian  boots,  gold  tassels,  sword,  and  gauntlets. 
COLO.VNA. — Same  style  as  Ludovico,  but  scarlet  tights  trimmed  with  gold,  yellow 

jacket  and  fly,  trimmed  with  red  and  gold,  cap  and  red  plumes,  yellow  Hcssiaa 

boots,  sword  and  white  gauntlets. 
VICKNTIO. — Wliite  tight  pantaloons,  white  jacket  and  fly,  same  as  Ludovico,  oJl 

handiom'^ly  trimmed  with  red  and  gold,   white  hat  and  plumes,  white  gloves, 

hand  ruulcs  and  sword. 
SPALATRO. — Scarlet  shirt,  trimmed  round  the  bottom  with  gold,  amber  scarf,  h^* 

and  white  phwne?,  wliite  tights,  boots,  sword  and  gauntlets. 
CO.XSPIIIATORS.— Ibid. 

GU.ARDS. — Armour,  shirts,  leggings,  and  helmets. 

EV.\DNE. — Pearl  white  satin  boddice  and  train,  all  richly  trimmed  with  j'old. 
OLIVIA.— Suroe  as  Evadne's,  but  of  scarlet  velvet. 
PAHES. — Buff  tunics,  trimmed  with  black  and  silver,  white  silk  tights,  ancle  b?  • 

and  white  scarfx. 


EXITS  AND  ENTRANCES. 

R.  means  Right;    L.  Left:    R.  D.  Right  Door      L.  D.  Left  Dot- 
8.  E.  Second  Entrance ;  U.  E.  Upper  Entrance;   M.  D.  Middle  Dof 

RELATIVE  POSITIONS. 

R.,  meatis  Right;   L.,  Left;   C,  Centre:    R.  C.  Right  of  Cent r 
L.  C,  Left  of  Centre. 


E  V  A  D  N  E  ; 

OR,  THE  STATUE. 


ACT     I. 

Scene  I. — The  Palace  of  the  Ki?ig  of  Naples. 

The  King,  Spai-atro,  and   Ttii  Courtiers,  Six  Guards,  and 
Two  Banners,  discovered. 

King.  Didst  say  the  Marquis  of  Colonna  prays 
Admission  to  our  presence  1 

Spal.  Ay,  my  liege  ; 
He  stands  in  the  ante-cliamber,  with  a  brow 
As  stern  as  e'er  was  knitted  in  the  folds 
Of  rancorous  discontent. 

King.  I  have  noted  oft 
His  absence  from  the  court,  the  which  1  deem 
His  envy  of  our  true  Ludovico. 

Spal.  Deem  it  no  httlc  benefit,  my  liege; 
His  deep  and  murky  smile,  his  gathered  arms, 
In  whose  close  pride  he  folds  himself;    his  raw 
And  pithy  apothegms  of  scorn,  have  made  him 
Our  laughter  and  our  hatred  ;  we  are  all 
Grown  weary  of  this  new  Diogenes, 
Who  rolls  his  hard  and  new"' philosophy 
Against  all  innocent  usage  of  the  court. 

King.  We  must  not  bid  him  hence  :  he  has  a  sister-^ 

Spal.  The  fair  Evadne  ! 

King.  Fairer  than  the  morn  ! 
Who  has  not  seen  her,  knows  of  beauty  less 
Than  blind  men  of  Aurora.     For  her  sake 
We  give  Hm  ample  scope,  and  w^  are  glad 
Ho  cornea  to  visit  us. 


b  KVAD.Xi;.  r./^Ct  I 

Cohnfi'f.  [  U'il/touf.]   I'll  he;ir  no  more. 
Colonna  does  not  often  impiatune  ^ 

With  his  unwelcome  presence.     Let  me  j  ass  : 
For  once,  I  must  be  heard."        ^ 

Enter  Coi.o.WA,  \..,  followed  by  two  Courtiers, 

My  liege ! 

Ist  Cour.  Hold  back! 

2(1  Cour.  What  light  hast  thou  to  rush  before  the  sight 
Of  sacred  royalty  1 

Col  The  right  that  all 
Good  subjects  ought  to  have :  to  do  him  service. 
My  liege —  [Courtiers  retire  i..,  arid  Spal.  crof^ses  to  R. 

Kifig.  You  are  welcome ; 
And  would  you  had  brought  your  lovely  sister,  too. 

Col.  My  sister,  did  you  say  i  my  sister,  sire  1 
She  is  not  fit  for  courts  ;   "  she  would  be  called — 

•  For  she  has  something  left  of  nature  still, — 
*A  simple  creature  here.     She  cannot  cast 

*  Unholy  glances  from  a  sidelong  eye, 

'  Or  give  her  untouched  body  to  the  wreath 
'  Of  mazy  dances,  where  all  decency 
'  Is  lost  in  pleasure's  'v/ildered  labyrinth. 
**  She  is  not  fit  for  courts,"   and  I  have  hop.^ 
She  never  will.     But,  let  it  pass  :  —  I  come 
To  implore  a  favour  of  you. 

King.  Whatsoe'er 
Colonna  prays,  sure  cannot  be  refused. 

Col.  The  favour  that  1  ask  is  one,  my  liege, 
That  princes  often  find  it  hard  to  grant. 
Tis  simply  this — that  you  v,-iil  hear  the  truth. 

King.  Proceed,  and  play  the  monitor,  my  lord. 

Col.  I  see  your  courtiers  he<^  do  stand  amazed— 
Of  them  1  first  would  speak,  fa  I'lere  is  not  one 
Of  this  wide  troop  of  glittering  parasites, 
Th_at  circle  you,  as  priests  surround  their  god, 
With  sycophantic  incense,  but  in  soul 
Is  your  base  foe  !      These  srailers  here,  ray  liege. 
Whose  dimples  seem  a  sort  of  honeycomb 
Filled  and  o'erflowipg  with  suavity;. 
These  soft  melodious  flatterers,  "  my  liege, 
"  That  flourish  ^n  tlie  flexibility 


Sr.r/HK  I.I  ETAnNF.  S 

"  Of  their  sofl  countenances,  are  the  vermin 
"  That  haunt  a  prince's  ear  with  the  false  buzz 
"  Of  villanous  assenta|.ion.'"'     These  are  they 
Who  from  your  mindihave  flouted  every  thought 
Of  the  great  weal  of  the  people.     These  are  they 
Who  fjom  your  ears  have  shut  the  public  cry, 
And  with  the  poisoned  gales  of  flattery 
Create  around  you  a  foul  atmospheie 
Of  unresounding  denseness,  through  the  which 
Their  loud  complaints  cannot  reverberate, 
And  perish  ere  they  reach  you. 

King.  Who  complains? 
Who  dares  complain  of  us  ? 

Col.  All  dare  complain 
Behind  you — [,  before  you  !     Do  not  think, 
J3ecause  you  load  your  people  with  the  weight 
Of  camels,  they  possess  the  camel's  patience. 
A  deep  groan  labours  in  the  nation's  heart; 
The  very  calm  and  stillness  of  the  day 
Gives  augury  of  the  earthquake.     All  without 
Is  as  the  marble  smooth,  and  all  within 
Is  rotten  as  the  carcase  it  contains. 
Though  ruin  knock  not  at  the  palace  gate. 
Yet  will  the  palace  gate  unfold  itself 
To  ruin's  felt-shod  tread. 

King.  \As)(]e?[  Insolent  villain 

Col.  **  Your  gorgeous  banquets,  your  high  feasts  of  gold, 
*  Which  the  four  quarters  of  the  rifled  world 
"  Heap  with  their  ravished  luxuries  ;  your  pomps, 
*'  Your  palaces,  and  all  the  sumptuousness 
"  Of  painted  royalty  will  melt  away, 
*'  As  in  a  theatre  the  flittering  scene 
"  Doth  vanish  with  the  shifter's  magic  hand, 
"  And  the  mock  pageant  perishes."     My  liege, 
A  single  virtuous  action  hath  more  worth 
Than  all  the  pyramids  ;   and  glory  writes 
A  more  enduring  epitaph  upon 
One  generous  deed,  than  the  sarcophagus 
In  which  Sesostris  meant  to  sleep. 

Spaf.  [Coming  foricar J. \   Forbear! 
It  is  a  subject's  duty  to  arrest 
Thy  ti^h  and  l}]3fpben']ortS  ?peech. 


JO  r-  ^DNI  .  I"  Act  I. 

Kifis:.  Let  him  speak  on  ! 
The  monarch  who  can  listen  to  Colonna, 
Is  not  the  wortliless  tyrant  he  would  make  me. 

Col.   I  deem  you  not  that  tyrant:  if  I  did — 
No  !   Nature,  framing  you,  did  kindly  mean, 
And  o'er  your  heart  hath  spiinkled  many  drops 
Of  her  best  charities.     But  you  are  led 
From  virtue  and  from  wisdom  far  away, 
By  men,  whose  every  look's  a  lie ;  whose  hearts 
Are  a  large  heap  of  cankers,  and  of  whom 
The  chief  is  a  rank  traitor ! 

King.  Traitor!   whom  meanest  thou  1 

Col.  Your  favourite,  your  minister,  my  liege ; 
That  smooth-faced  hypocrite,  that — 

King.  Here  he  comes  ! 

(hi.   It  is  the  traitor's  self:   I  am  glad  of  it, 
That  to  his  face  I  may  confront — 

Enter  LuDOVico,  R.,  and  advances  rapidly  to  the  King, 

Lud.  My  liege, 
1  hasten  to  your  presence,  to  inform  you — 
[Starting]   Colonna  here  ! 

Oil.  T])e  same — Colonna's  here! 
And  if  you  wish  to  learn  his  theme  of  speech, 
Learn  that  ho  spoke  of  treason  and  of  you ! 

Lud.   Did  I  not  stand  before  the  hallowed  eye     ^ 
Of  majesty,  I  would  teach  thee  with  my  sword 
How  to  reform  thy  phrase  ;  but  I  am  now 
In  my  king's  })resence,  and,  with  awe-struck  sou  , 
As  if  within  religion's  peaceful  shrine, 
Humbly  I  bend  before  him. — What,  my  liege. 
Hath  this  professor  of  austerity, 
And  practiser  of  slander,  vomited 
Against  your  servant's  honour  1 

King.  He  hath  called  you — 

Col.  A  traitor  !  and  I  warn  you  to  beware 
Of  the  false  viper  nurtuied  in  your  heart. 
He  has  filled  the  city  with  a  band  of  men, 
By  fell  allegiance  sworn  uTito  himself, 
'i'iiere  are  a  thousand  ruffians,   at  his  word 
Prepared  to  cut  our  throats;  the  city  swarms 
With  murderers'  faces;  an.d  thDugb  trtjapou  no^>' 


SCE5E  L]  h"^vsv..  11 


Swell  to  a  blood-robed  giant  !      If,  my  liege, 

What  1  have  said  doth  not  unfilir?  your  eye, 

'Twere  vain  to  tell  you  more.     "  And  1  desire  not 

"  To  hear  a  traitor  doling  out  before  you 

**  His  fluent  protestaticm,  till  at  last, 

"  With  insolent  mockery  of  attested  Heaven, 

"  From  the  believing  ear  of  royalty 

"  He  sucks  its  brains  out.     I  have  said,  my  liege, 

"  And  tried  to  interrupt  security 

*'  Upon  her  purple  cushion  ;  he,  perhaps, 

"  Will  find  some  drowsy  syrup  to  lay  down 

"  Her  opening  eyelids  into  sleep  again, 

"  And  call  back  slumber  v/ith  a  lullaby 

"  Of  sweetest  adulation."     Fare  you  well  ! 

Lj/d.  Hold  back  ! 

Col.  Not  at  your  summons,  my  good  lord. 
The  courtly  air  doth  not  agree  with  me, 
And  I  respire  it  painfully. — My  liege. 
Hear  my  last  words  :  Beware  Ludovico  ! 

Lfid.  Villain,  come  back  ! 

Col.  I  wear  a  sword,  my  lord.  |  Exit,  L. 

Lud.  He  flies  before  me ;  and  the  sight  of  him 
He  dares  accuse,  came  like  the  morning  sun 
On  the  night-walking  enemy  of  m.ankind, 
That  shrinks  before  the  day-ligr.t.     Yes,  he  fled, 
And.  I  would  straight  pursue  him,  and  send  back, 
On  my  sword's  point,  his  falsehoods  to  his  heart  ; 
But  that  I  here,  before  the  assembled  court. 
Would  vindicate  myself      A  traitor!   who, 
In  any  action  of  Ludovico, 
Finds  echo  to  that  word  ] 

King.  I  cannot  think 
Thou  hast  repaid  me  with  ingratitude. 

L^id,  I  do  not  love  to  make  a  boisten^us  boast 
Of  my  past  services,  and  marshal  fo 
Tn  glittering  array  the  benefit 
That  1  have  done  my  sovereign.     What  I  did, 
Was  but  my  duty.     Yet  would  I  inquire, 
If  he  who  has  fought  your  battles,  and  hath  made 
A  very  thraM  of  victory  ;  who  oft 
fi^s  back  to  Nanles  froiu  the  field  of  fi^Jrlit 


V2  rv.ArM:.  (Act  I 

Led  your  iriumpliaiil  armies,  '•  while  the  breeze 

"  Spread  out  the  royal  banner,  with  its  fold 

"  Of  floating  glory,  and  yourself  exclaimed, 

"  'Twas  unprofaned  by  one  small  drop  of  blood  ; 

•'  If  he,  who  from  your  shoulders  has  ta'en  off 

"  'J'he  heavy  mass  of  empiio.  to  relieve 

"  His  sovereign  from  the  ponderous  load  of  rule, 

"  And  leave  you  but  its  pleasures" — he  whose  hand 

Hath  lined  the  oppressive  diadem  with  down. 

And  ta'en  its  pressure  from  the  golden  round  ; — 

If  he,  whose  cheek  hath  at  the  midnight  lamp 

(irown  pale  with  study  of  his  prince's  weal, 

Is  like  to  be  a  traitor] — who,  my  liege. 

Hath  often,  like  the  daylight's  god,  transpierced 

The  hydra-headed  monster  of  rebellion. 

And  stretched  it  bleeding  at  your  feet  1  v/ho  oft 

Hath  from  the  infuriate  people  exorcised 

The  talking  demon,  Libert//,  "  and  choked 

"  The  voice  of  clamorous  demagogues"  1 — I  dare 

To  tell  you,  'twas  Ludovico  ! 

Kini>;.  It  was. 

Lud.  Who  calls   me  traitor?     He  whose  breath  doth 
taint 
Whate'er  it  blows  on — he — 
But  ask  yourself,  my  lord,  if  I  be  mad  ? 
For  were  I  that,  tiiat  he  would  make  Ludovico, 
The  cells  of  frenzy,  not  the  scaffold's  plank, 
Would  best  beseem  my  treason.     "  In  your  love 
'  My  fortunes  grow  and  flourish  unto  Heaven  ; 

*  And  I  should  win  by  treason  but  the  load 

*  Of  the  world's  execration,  while  the  fierce 

*  And  ravenous  vulture  of  remorse  would  tear 

*  The  vitals  of  my  soul,  and  make  my  heart 
"  Its  black,  immortal  banquet ! — I  a  traitor  ! 
"  At  first,  I  only  meant  to  sconi ;  but  now, 

"  The  bursting  passion  hath  o'ermastercd  me, 
"  And  my  voice  chokes  in  anguish."     Oh,  my  liege, 
Your  giving  audience  to  this  rancorous  man, 
AVlio  envies  me  the  greatness  of  your  smile, 
Hath  done  nre  wrong,  and  stabs  me  through  and  through 
A  traitor  ! — your  Ludovico  ! 
KiTi^^.  My  lord  — 


LiuL  \Kfic:}s.\     {^ere  is  my  heart!      it' you  have  any 
mercy, 
Strike  through  that  heait,  and  as  the  blood  flows  forth, 
Drown  your  suspicious  in  the  purple  stream. 

King.  Arise,  Lutlovico,  and  do  not  think 
I  have  harboured  in  my  breast  a  single  thought 
That  could  dishonour  thee.  [Raises  and  embraces  him 

L?.i(J.   My  royal  master  ! 
The  power  of  gratitude  mounts  from  my  heart 
And  rushes  to  mine  eyes,  that  are  too  apt 
To  play  the  woman  with  me.     See,  they  are  falling— 
Oh  !  let  them  not  profane  your  sacred  cheek, 
But  bathe  my  prince's  feet. 

Kins:.  Ludovico, 
We  have  wronged  thee,  not  by  doubt, 
But  by  our  sufferance  of  Colonna's  daring — 
Whom  from  my  sight  into  the  dungeon's  depth 
1  had  flung,  but  that  I  hope — Let  us  apart — 

[Draws  Ludovico  aside  in  fronts  L. 
But  tjiat  1  hope,   Ludovico,  that  yet 
I  may  possess  me  of  his  sister's  charms. 

hnd.  There  you  have  struck  upon  the  inmost  spring 
Of  all  Colonna's  hate  ;  for  in  obedience 
To  your  high  will,   1  humbly  made  myself 
Your  pleasure's  minister,  and  to  her  ear 
I  bore  your  proffered  love,   v.hich,  he  discovering. 
Hath  tried  to  root  me  from  my  prince's  heart — 

King.    Where  thou  shalt  evou- flourish  !     But,  Ludovico, 
But  thou  hast  told  her  ! — is  tliere  hope,  my  friend  % 

Lnd.  She  shall  be   youi's — na}',  more — and  well  you 
know 
'i'hat  you  may  trust  youi'  servant — not  alone 
Colonna's  lovely  sister  shall  be  yours  : 
But,  mark  my  speech,  Colonna's  self  shall  draw 
The  chaste  white  curtains  from  her  virgin  bed, 
And  lead  you  t(j  her  arms ! 

King.  What !  her  fierce  brother 
Yield  his  consent] 

Lud.  Liquire  not  how,  my  liege, 
I  would  accomplish  this — trust  to  my  pledge — 
This  very  night. 

Kin'^.  To-niirht !     Am  I  so  ii:ar 


14  •  F.VADNE.  rA.CTl 

To  heaven,  Ludovico  1 

Lud.   You  arc,  my  liege. 
\Aside.\   Ti)-night  upon  ihe  breast  of  paradise 
Vnu  shall  most  soumlly  sleep. 

Khiir.   My  laithful  friend  ! 
And  dost  thou  say,  Colonna  will  himself —  ? 

Lf/d.  Coloiina's  self  shall  bear  her  to  your  arms, 
And  bid  her  on  to  dalliance. 

King.  Oh,  my  friend, 
Thou  art  the  truest  .servant  tlmt  e'er  yet 
Tended  his  sovereign's  wish  :  but  dost  not  fear. 
Her  purposed  marriage  with  Vicentio 
INIay  make  some  obstacle  \ 

Lad.  1  have  recalled  him 
I^rom  Florence,   whither,  as  ambassador, 
In  honourable  exile  he  was  sent. 

Kiiii;.  Recalled  him  !     'Twas  to  interrupt  his  love 
Tliat  he  was  sent. 

Lud.  My  projects  need  his  cetming. 
For  I  intend  to  make  Vicentio 
An  instrument  to  crown  you  with  her  charms! 

King.  How  shall  I  bless  thee,  my  Ludovico? 
Dost  thou  think  ^ 

'Tis  strange  1  pine  for  her — but  why  inquire 
Of  thee,  who  once  wert  kindled  by  her  charms  ! 

Lud.  My  liege  !  [.4  liitle  diiturhed. 

King.  She  did  prefer  Vicentio. 

Lud.  She  shall  prefer  you  to  Vicentio. 

King.  My  dear  Ludovico,  within  my  soul 
More  closely  will  I  wear  thee  ! 
Tell  her  we'll  shower  all  honour  on  her  head. 
And  here,  Ludovico,  to  testify 
That  we  have  given  ourselves,  bear  to  her  heart 
This  image  of  her  king! 

Lud.  1  am  in  all  your  servant. 

King.  My  Ludovico, 
We  never  can  reward  thee  !     Come,  my  friends, 

[Crosses,  r, 
Let's  to  some  fi'c^h  imagined  sport,  and  wile 
The  languid  hours  in  some  device  of  joy, 
To  liclp  along  the  lazy  flight  of  time, 
A.tjd  c^uic];cn  biiD  wiijj  pleasure.     My  Ludovjcfl  j 


Snt^E  I.]  KVADNE4  lo 

Remember  !  [  Flourish. — Excvnt  King  and  ten  of  the 

Cuurticrs^  r. — Banners  and  Guord.s',  r.  u.  e. — Sjuifa- 
iro  and  four  other  Conspirators  remain  behind,  icith 
Ludovico. 

Liid.  He  is  gone, 
And  my  unloosened  spirit  dares  again 
To  heave  within  my  bosom  ! — Oh,  Colonna, 
With  an  usurious  vengeance  I'll  repay  thee, 
And  cure  the  talking  devil  in  thy  tongue. 
\To  Sj?al/trn.l^ — Give  me  thy  hand,  and  let  thy  pulse  again 
Beat  with  a  temperate  and  healthful  motion, 
(3f  full  security.     We  are  safe,  my  friends. 
And  in  the  genius  of  Ludovicf), 
An  enterprise  shall  triumph. 

8j)aJ.   We  began  to   tremble  when  you  entered — but 
full  soon 
With  admiration  we  beheld  you  tread 
Secure  the  steeps  of  ruin,  and  preserve  us. 

L//d.   That  damned  Colonna  ! — by  the  glorious  star 
Of  my  nativity,   I  do  not  burn 
For  empire  with  a  move  infuriate  thirst. 
Than  for  revenge  ! 

Spa'.  My  poniard's  at  your  service. 
[First  and  >ccond  Conspirators  half  draiv  their  da ggen, 

Lud.  Not  for  the  world,  my  friends  ! 
i'U  turn  my  vengeance  to  utility. 
And  must  economize  my  hate — Whom  think  you 
Have  I  marked  out  assassin  of  the  King? 

Spal.  Piero,  perchance — he  strikes  the  poniard  deep. 

Lud.   A  better  hand  at  it. 

Spal.  Bartolo,  then — 
He  pushes  the  stiletto  to  the  heart. 
~     Lud.  No! 

Spal.  Then  yourself  will  undertake  the  deed. 

Lud.  That  v/ere  against  all  wisdom — No,  my  friends, 
Co?  on  n  a — 

Spal.  What,  Colonna  ? — he  that  now 
Accused  you  here  1 

L?id.  Colonna! — 

Spal.  'Tis  impossible  ! — 
From  his  great  father  he  inherited 
A  lort  of  p,a*ssiQn  io  hia  loyalty : 


IG  EVA ONE.  [Act 

In  him  it  niouiits  to  folly. 

Lud.   Vet,  Spalatro, 
I'll  make  a  murderer  of  him. 
Your  leave  awhile,  my  friends. — [Exeunt  Covsvirators.] 

Know  you  not, 
He  has  a  sister  ? 

S^mJ.  Yt's,  the  fair  Evadne, 
You  once  did  love  yourself 

Lud.   There  thou  hast  touched  me. 
And  I  am  weak  enough  to  love  her  yet, 
If  that  indeed  be  love  that  doth  consume  me  : 
It  is  a  sort  of  monster  in  my  heart. 
Made  up  of  horiid  contrarieties! 
She  scorns  me  for  that  smooth  Vicentio — 
Not  only  does  he  thwart  me  in  my  love. 
But,  well  I  know  his  influence  in  the  state 
Would,  when  the  King  is  sent  to  paradise. 
Be  cast  between  me  and  the  throne — he  dies  !— 
Colonna  too  shall  perish,  and  the  crown 
Shall  with  Evadne's  love  be  mine. 

Evtcr  Page,  l. 

How  now  1 

Paue.  My  lord,  the  Lady  Olivia 
Waits  on  your  highness. 

Lud.   I  desired  her  here, 
And  straight  I  will  attend  her.  [Exit  Page^  t.. 

With  a  stTaw 

A  town  may  be  consumed,  and  I  emplc 
This  woman's  passion  for  Vicentio, 
As  I  would  use  a  poisoned  pin,  to  kill. 

SpnJ.  She  long  hath  loved  Vicentio. 

Li'd.   He  shall  wed  her — 
And  from  the  hand  of  Hymen,  death  shall  snatch 
The  nuptial  torch,  and  use  it  for  his  own  ! 
1  Imsfe  me  to  her  presence. 

[  Tf//it's  out  the  King's  picture.]   Come,  fair  bauble, 
Thou  now  must  be  employed. — [  To  SpuL]  Dost  thou  not 

think. 
Even  in  this  image,   that  he  bears  iho  soft 
And  wnrifon  aspect  with  the  wiiich  he  bid  mc 
To  calmer  f';r  \v%  vi']--.inr>us  nprciitc — 


Scene  l.j 


EVADNE.  17 


And  with  what  luxury  1 — Evadne's  charms! 
Evadne  that  I  love  ! 

Spal.  But  didst  thou  not 
Thyself  evoke  that  passion  in  his  breast  1 

Lud.  I  did,  'tis  time — but  for  mine  own  success, 
I  hate  him  ! 

There  is  the  very  face  with  which  he  first 
Poured  his  unholy  wishes  in  mine  ear — 
Ha  !  dost  thou  smile  upon  me  1 — I  will  turn 
Those  glittering  eyes,  where  love  doth  now  inhabit, 
To  two  dark,  hollow  palaces,  for  death 
To  keep  his  mouldeiing  state  in. 
He  dares  to  hope  that  I  will  make  myself 
The  wretched  officer  of  his  desires, 
And  smooth  the  bed  for  his  lascivious  pleasures — 
But  I  full  soon  will  teach  his  royalty. 
The  beds  I  make  are  lasting  ones,  and  lie 
In  the  dark  chambers  of  eternity !  [Exeunt^  l. 

END    OF    ACT    I. 


ACT     II. 

Scene  I. — A  Room  in  the  Palace, 

Enter  Olivia  and  Ludovico,  r. 

hud.  Dispose  of  it  as  I  instructed  you  j 

\Gi7''mg  her  the  King^s  picture, 
You  know  that  I  have  pledged  myself  to  make 
Vicentio  yours.     To-day  yourself  have  given 
The  means  to  turn  that  promise  into  deed. 

Oliv.  My  own  heart 
Tells  me,  'tis  a  bad  office  I  have  ta'en  ; 
But  this  unhappy  passion  drives  me  on, 
And  makes  my  soul  your  thrall. — Thus  I  have  crept, 
Obedient  to  your  counsels,  meanly  crept 
Into  Evadne's  soft  and  trusting  heart, 
And  coiled  myself  around  her— Thus,  my  lord, 
Have  I  obtained  the  page  of  amorous  sighs 
That  you  enjoined  me  to  secure — 1  own 


18  •      KVADNL-.  (^ACT  II 

'Twas  a  false  deed,  but  I  am  gone  loo  far 
To  seek  retreat,  and  will  olay  you  still. 

Lud.  And  1  will  crown  your  passion  with  the  flovverB 
Of  Hymen's  yellow  garland — Trust  me,  Olivia, 
That  once  dissevered  from  lilvadne's  love, 
He'll  soon  be  taught  to  prize  your  nobler  frame. 
And  n>ore  enkindled  beauty — Well,  'tis  known, 
Ere  he  beheld  the  sorceress, 
He  deemed  you  fairest  of  created  things, 
And  would  have  proffered  love,  had  not — 

Oliv.  I  pray  you, 
With  gems  of  flattery  do  not  disturb 
The  fount  of  bitterness  w^ithin  my  soul ; 
For  dropped  though  ne'er  so  lightly,  they  but  stir 
The  poisoned  waters  as  they  fall. — 1  have  said 
I  will  obey  you. 

Lud.  Vv'ith  this  innocent  page, 
Will  I  light  up  a  fire  within  Vicentio, — 
But  you  must  keep  it  flaming : — I  have  ta'en 
Apt  means  to  drive  him  into  jealousy, 
By  scattering  rumours  (which  have  reached  his  ear) 
Before  he  comes  to  Naples, — e'en  in  Florence 
Have  1  prepared  his  soft  and  yielding  mind 
To  take  the  seal  that  I  would  fix  upon  it. 
I  do  expect  him  with  the  fleeting  hour, — 
For  to  my  presence  he  must  come  to  bear 
His  embassy's  commission,  and  be  sure 
He  leaves  me  with  a  poison  in  his  heart, 
Evadne's  lips  shall  never  suck  away. 

OUr.  Then  will  I  hence,  and,  if  'tis  possible. 
Your  bidding  shall  be  done. — Vicentio  ! 

Enter  Vicentio,  r. 

Yic.  Hail  to  my  lord  ! 

hud.   Welcome,  Vicentio  ! 
I  have  not  clasped  your  hand  this  many  a  day ! 
Welcome  from  Florence.     In  your  absence,  sir, 
Time  seemed  to  have  lost  his  feathers.  '* 

Vir.  It  was  kind 
To  waete  a  thought  upon  me. — Fair  Olivia, 
Florence  hath  dimmed  mine  eyes,  or  I  must  else 
Have  seen  a  sunbeam  sooner. — {Ciosscs.  c;.) — Fair  Olivia, 


SCEilE  I.]  E7ADNE.  19 

How  does  your  lovely  friend  ] 

Orn\   What  friend,   my  lord  ? 

Vic.  I  trust  naught  evil  hath  befallen  Evadno, 
That  you  should  feign  to  understand  me  not. 
How  does  my  beautiful  and  plighted  love  ] 

OHv.  How  does  she,  sir  ]     I  pray  you,  my  good  lord, 
To  ask  such  tender  question  of  the  King.  [Exit^  L. 

Vic.  [Aside.]    What  meant  she  by  the  King  ? 

L^id.  You  seem,   V^icentio, 
O'ershadovved  with  reflection — should  you 
Not  have  used  some  soft  detaining  phrase  to  one, 
Who  should  at  least  be  pitied  1 

Vic.  I  came  here 
To  re-deliver  to  your  hands,  my  lord, 
The  high  commission  of  mine  embassy, 
That  long  delayed  my  marriage.     You,  I  deem 
My  creditor,  in  having  used  your  sway 
In  my  recall  to  Naples. 

Lud.  In  return  for  such  small  service, 
I  hope 

That  you  will  not  forget  Ludovico, 
When,  in  the  troop  of  thronging  worshippers, 
At  distance  you  behold  his  stooping  plume 
Uend  in  humility. 

Vic.   What  means  my  lord  1 

L7ui.  Act  not  this  ignorance — your  glorious  fortune 
Hath  filled  the  common  mouth — 
Your  image  .stands  already  in  the  mart 
Of  pictured  ridicule.^— Come,  do  not  wear 
The  look  of  studied  wonderment — you  know 
Howe'er  I  stand  upon  the  highest  place 
In  the  King's  favour,  that  you  will  full  soon 
Supplant  the  poor  Ludovico. 

Vic.  I  am  no  CEdipus. 

Lud.  You  would  have  me  speak  in  simpler  phrase ; 
Vicentio, 
You  are  to  be  the  favourite  of  the  king. 

Vic.  The  favourite  of  the  king  ! 

Lud.  Certes,  Vicentio. 
In  our  Italian  courts,  the  generous  husband 
Receives  his  monarch's  recompensing  smile, 
That  with  alchymic  power  can  turn  the  mas3 


20  tVADNE.  i^AcTil 

Of  dull,   opin-obrious  shame,  to  one  bright  heap 
Of  honour  and  emolument. 
I  bid  you  joy,  my  lord — why,  how  is  this! 
Do  you  not  yet  conceive  me  ]     Know  you  not. 
You  are  to  wed  the  mistress  of  the  King  1 
Colonna's  sister — ay,  1  have  said  it,  sir, — 
Now  do  you  understand  me  ? 

Vic.  Villain,  thou  liest ! 

Lud.  What  1  are  you  not  to  marry  her  1 

Vic.  Thou  liest! 
Though  thou  wert  ten  times  wnat  thou  an  already, 
Not  all  the  laurels  heaped  upon  thy  head 
Should  save  thee  from  the  lightnings  of  my  wrath ! 

Lud.  If  it  were  my  will. 
The  movement  of  my  hand  should  beckon  death 
To  thy  presumption.     But  1  have  proved  too  oft 
I  bore  a  fearless  heart,  to  think  you  dare 
To  call  me  coward — and  I  am  too  wise 
To  think  1  can  revenge  an  injury 
By  giving  you  my  life.     But  I  compassionate, 
Nay,  I  have  learned  to  esteem  thee  for  a  wrath, 
That  speaks  thy  noble  nature. 

Fare  thee  well !  [  Grosses,  u 

Thy  pulse  is  now  too  fevered  for  the  cure 
1  honestly  intended — yet,  before 
I  part,  here  take  this  satisfying  proof 
Of  what  a  woman's  made  of.  [Crives  him  a  lettet 

Vic.  It  is  her  character  ! 
Hast  thou  shed  phosphor  on  the  innocent  page, 
That  it  has  turned  to  fire  1 

Lud.  Thou  hast  thy  fate. 

Vic.  'Tis  signed,  "Evadne!" 

Lud.  Yes,  it  is — farewell ! 

Vic.  For  Heaven's  sake,  hear  me, — Stay.«— Ob,  pardoii 
me 
For  the  rash  utterance  of  a  frantic  man- 
Speak  !  in  mercy  speak ! 

Lud.  I  will 
In  mercy  speak,  indeed. — In  mercy  to 
That  fervid  generosity  of  heart 
That  1  behold  within  thee. 

Vic,  From  whom  is  this  ? 


S«:ehk  I  ] 


EVADNE.  21 


Lucl.  From  whom  /  look  there  ! 

Vic.  Evadne ! 

Lud.  'Tis  written  to  the  King  and  to  my  hand, 
For  he  is  proud  of  it,  as  if  it  were 
A  banner  of  high  victory,  he  bore  it, 
To  evidence  his  valour. — It  is  grown 
His  cup-theme  now,  and  your  Evadne's  name 
Is  lisped  with  all  the  insolence  on  his  tongue 
Of  satiated  triumph — he  exclaims— 
The  poor  Vicentio  ! 

Vic.  The  poor  Vicentio  ! 

Lied.  [Aside.\  What !  shall  he  murder  him  ? — no,  no — 
Colonna  ! 
The  poor  Vicentio  ! — and  he  oftentimes 
Cries,  that  he  pities  you ! 

Vic.   He  pities  me  ! 

Lud.  1  own  that  sometime  I  was  infidel 
To  all  the  bombast  vaunting  of  the  King, 
But— 

Vic,  'Tis  Evadne! — I  have  gazed  upon  it, 
In  hope  that  with  the  glaring  of  mine  eyes, 
1  might  burn  out  the  false  and  treacherous  word- 
But  still  'lis  there — no  more — else  will  it  turn 
My  brain  to  a  red  furnace. — Look  you,  my  lord- 
Thus  as  I  rend  the  cursed  evidence 
Of  that  vile  woman's  falsehood — thus  I  cast 
My  love  into  the  winds,  and  as  I  tread 
Upon  the  poisoned  fragments  of  the  snake 
That  stings  me  into  madness,  thus,  Ludovico, 
Thus  do  1  trample  on  her  !  [Crostes  L. 

Lud.  Have  you  ne'er  heard, — 
For  *twas  so  widely  scattered  in  the  voice 
Of  common  rumour,  that  the  very  wind, 
If  it  blew  fair  for  Florence — 

Vic.  I  have  heard 
Some  whispers,  which  I  long  had  flung  away 
With  an  incredulous  hatred  from  my  heart — 
But  now,  this  testimony  has  conjured 
All  other  circumstances  in  one  vast  heap 
Of  damned  certainty  ! — Farew^ell,  my  lord —   [^Ci'osses    8., 

Lud.   Hear  me,  Vicentio. 
Vengeance  is  left  you  still — the  deadliest,  too, 


23  EVADNE.  ^Aet  II 

That  a  false  woman  can  be  made  to  feel : 

Take  her  example — be  not  satisfied 

With  casting  her  for  ever  from  your  heart. 

But  to  the  place  that  she  has  forfeited, 

Exalt  a  lovelier  than — but  I  perceive 

You  are  not  in  a  mood  to  hear  me  now — 

Some  other  time,  Vicentio — and,  meanwhile, 

Despite  your  first  tempestous  suddenness. 

You  will  think  that  1  but  meant  your  honour  well 

In  this  proceeding. 

Vic.  I  believe  I  owe  you 
That  sort  of  desperate  gratitude,  my  lord, 
The  dying  patient  owes  the  barbarous  knife, 
That  delves  in  throes  of  mortal  agony, 
And  tears  the  rooted  cancer  from  his  heart !    [Exeuntf  l. 

Scene  II. — A  Boom  in  Colo?ina*s  Palace. 
Enter  Evadxe,  u.  d.,  loohiyig  at  a  picture, 

Eva.  'Tis  strange  he  comes  not!  through  the  city's  gatM 
Kis  panting  courser  passed  before  the  sun 
Had  climbed  to  his  meridian,  yet  he  comes  not ! — 
Ah  !  Vicentio, 

To  know  thee  near  me,  yet  behold  thee  not, 
Is  sadder  than  to  think  thee  far  away; 
For  I  had  rather  that  a  thousand  leagues 
Of  mountain  ocean  should  dissever  us, 
Than  thine  own  heart,  Vicentio. — Sure,  Vicentio, 
If  thou  didst  know  with  what  a  pining  gaze 
I  feed  mine  eyes  upon  thine  image  here. 
Thou  wouldst  not  now  leave  thine  Evadne's  love 
To  this  same  cold  idolatry. 

Enter  Olivia,  nnperceiced^  l.  u.  e.,  down  on  r.,  and  touches 

Evadne  on  the  shoulder. 
[  will  swear 

That  smile's  a  false  one,  for  it  sweetly  tells 
No  tarrying  indifference. — Olivia! 

Ol.iv.   I  have  stolen  unperceived  upon  your  hours 
Of  lonely  meditation,  and  surprised 
Vour  soft  soliloquies  to  that  fair  face. — 
Nay,  do  not  blush — reserve  that  rosy  dawn 


Spese  II.]  EVADNE.  23 

For  the  soft  pressure  of  Vicentio's  lips. 

Eva.  You  mock  me,  fair  Olivia, — f  confess, 
That  musing  on  my  cold  Viceiitio's  absence, 
I  quarrelled  with  the  blameless  ivory. 

Oliv.  He  was  compelled,  as  soon  as  he  arrived. 
To  wait  upon  the  great  Ludovico  ; 
Meanwhile,  your  soft,  expecting  moments,  flow 
In  tender  meditation  on  the  face. 
You  dare  to  gaze  upon  in  ivory 
With  fonder  aspect,  than  when  you  behold 
Its  bright  original  ;  for  then  'tis  meet 
Your  pensive  brows  be  bent  upon  the  ground, 
And  sighs  as  soft  as  zephyrs  on  the  wave, 
Should  gently  heave  your  heart. — Is  it  not  so] 
Nay,  do  not  now  rehearse  your  heart,   I  pray; — 
Reserve  those  downcast  lockincrs  for  Vicentio; 
That's  a  fair  picture — let  me,  if  you  dare 
Entrust  the  treasure  to  another's  hand, 
Let  me  look  on  it.  [Takes  Vicentio's  'picture. 

What  a  sweetness  plays 

On  those  half-opened  lips !— He  gazed  on  you, 
When  those  bright  eyes  were  painted. 

Eva.  You  have  got 
A  heart  so  free  of  care,  than  you  can  mock 
Your  pensive  friend  with  such  light  merriment. 
But  hark  !   I  hear  a  step. 

Olir.  Now  fortune  aid  me 
In  lier  precipitation. 

Eva.  It  is  himself! — 
Olivia,  he  is  coming. — Well  I  know 
My  Lord  Vicentio  hastens  to  mine  eyes ! 
The  picture — pr'ythee,  give  it  back  to  me — 
1  must  constrain  you  to  it. 

Oliv.   \  Who  has  siihstitutcd  the  picture  of  the  King.]   It  is 
in  vain 
To  stl'uggle  with  you,  then — with  what  a  grasp 
You  rend  it  from  my  hand,  as  if  it  were 
Vicentio  that  I  had  stolen  away. 

[Gives  her  the   King  s  picture,  which  Eva  cine  pilci'^-^s  i^ 
her  hosom. 
[Aside.]  I  triumph  ! — He  is  coming — I  must  leave  you, 
Nor  interrupt  the  meeting  of  your  hearts 


24  EVADNE,  [Act  II 

By  ray  officious  presence  !  [Exit,  L. 

Eva.  It  is  himself! 
Swiftly  he  passes  through  the  colonnade  ! 
Oh.!   Vicentio, 

Thy  coming  bears  me  joy  as  bright  as  e'er 
Beat  through  the  heart  of  woman,  that  was  made 
For  suffering,  and  for  transport ! — Oh,  Vicentio  ! 

E/iter  ViccvTio,  l. 

Are  you,  then,  come  at  last? — do  I  once  more 
Behold  my  bosom's  lord,  whose  tender  sight 
Is  necessary  for  my  happiness 
As  light  for  heaven  ! — My  lord  ! — Vicentio  ! — 
I  blush  to  speak  the  transport  in  ray  heart, 
But  I  am  rapt  to  see  you. 

Vic.  [Aside.]  Dissembling  woman  ! 

Eva.  How  is  this,  my  lord  1 
You  look  altered. 

Vic.  But  you  do  not  look  altered — would  you  did ! 
Let  me  peruse  the  face  where  loveliness 
Stays,  like  the  light,  after  the  sun  is  set. 
Sphered  in  the  stillness  of  those  heaven-blue  eyes, 
The  soul  sits  beautiful;   "ihe  high  white  front, 
"  Smooth  as  the  brow  of  Pallas,  seems  a  temple 
"Sacred  to  holy  thinking!"  and  those  lips 
Wear  the  sweet  smile  of  sleeping  infmcy 
They  are  so  innocent. — Oh  1   Evadne, 
Thou  art  not  altered — would  thou  wert  ! 

Eva.  Vicentio, 
This  strangeness  I  scarce  hoped  for. — Say,  Vicentio, 
Has  any  ill  befallen  you  ? — L  perceive 
That  it's  warm  blood  hath  parted  from  your  cheek  :— 
Ah  me  !  you  are  not  well,   Vicentio. 

Vic.  In  sooth,  I  am  not. — There  is  in  my  breast 
A  wound  that  mocks  all  cure — no  salve,  nor  anodynei 
Nor  medicinal  herb,  can  e'er  allay 
The  festering  of  that  agonizing  wound 
You  have  driven  into  my  heart ! 

Eva.  I  ? 

Vic.   Why,  Evadne, 
Why  did  you  ever  tell  me  that  you  loved  me  ? 
Why  was  not  1  in  mercy  spurned  away, 


Scorned,   like  Ludovico  ?   for  unto  him 

You  dealt  in  honour,  and  despised  his  love  : 

But  nie  you  soothed  and  flattered — sighed  ani  blushed — 

And  smiled  and  v/ept,  for  you  can  weep  ;    (even  now 

Your  tears  flow  by  volition,   and  your  eyes, 

Convenient  fountains,   have  begun  to  gu.sh,) 

To  stab  me  with  a  falsehood  yet  unknown 

In  falsest  woman's  perfidy  !  [  Turns  from  her. 

Er'a.  Vicentio, 
Why  am  I  thus  accused  ?      What  have  1  done  1 

Vic.  What ! — are  you  grown  already  an  adept 
In  cold  dissimulation  ]     Have  you  stopped 
All  access  from  your  henrt  into  your  face  ? 
Do  you  not  blush  1 

Eva.  I  do,  indeeed,  for  you  ! 

Vic.  The  King  ! 

Eva.  The  King  ? 
\    l'^/V;>  Come,  come,  confess  at  once,  aud  wear  it  high 
Upon  your  towering  forehead — swell  your  port — 
Away  with  this  unseemly  bashfulness, 
That  will  be  deemed  a  savageness  at  court — - 
Confront  the  talking  of  the  busy  world — 
Tell  them  you  are  the.mistress  of  the  King, 
Tell  them  you  are  Colonna's  sister,  too  ; 
3^ut  hark  you,  madam, — prithee,  do  not  say 
You  are  Vicentio's  wife  !  [  Taking  St^ge,  L« 

Era.    Injurious  man  I 

Vir.  The  very  winds  from  the  four  parts  of  heaven 
Blew  it  throughout  the  city — 

Eva.  And  if  angels 
Cried,  trumpet-tongued,  that  I  was  false  to  you, 
You  should  not  have  believed  it. — You  forget, 
Who  dares  to  stain  a  woman's  honesty. 
Does  her  a  wrong,  as  deadly  as  the  brand 
He  fears  upon  himself. — Go,   go,  Vicentio — 
You  are  not  what  I  deemed  you! — Mistress  1 — fie! 
Let  me  not  behold 

The   man  who  has  reviled  me  with  a  thought 
Dishonouring  as  that  one  ! — for  shame  !  for  shame  ! 
Oh  !   Vicentio, 
Do  I  deserve  this  of  you  1 

Vic,  If  I  had  wroneed  lier  !— 


26  EVADNE.  Act  n 

Eva.  I  will  njt  d^scond 
To  vindicate  myself— dnie  to  suspect  me  ! — 
My  lord,   1  am  to  guess  that  you  came  here, 
To  speak  your  soul's  revolt,   and  to  demand 
Your  pliglited  vows  again, — If  for  this 
You  tarry  here,  I  freely  give  you  back 
Your  late  repented  faith — Farewell  forever  ! 

[As  she  is  goings  r. 

Vic.  Evadne! 

Eva.  Well,  my  lord  1— 

Vic.  Evadne,  stay  ! — 

Eva.  Vicentio  ! 

[  With  a  look  of  reproaching  remonstrance. 

Vic.  Let  me  look  in  thy  face — 
Oh,  'tis  impossible! — I  was  bemocked, 
And  cheated  by  that  villain  ! — nothing  false 
Sure  ever  looked  like  thee  ;  and  yet  wilt  thou 
But  swear — 

Eva.  What  should  I  swear  ? — 

Vic.  That  you  did  not 
Betray  me  to  the  King. 

Eva.  Never ! — 

Vic.  Nor  e'er 
Didst  write  in  love  to  him  ? 

Eva.  Oh,  never,  never! — I  perceive,  Vicentio, 
Some  villain  hath  abused  thy  credulous  ear — 
But  no  1 — I  will  not  now  enquire  it  of  thee — 
When  I  am  calmer — I  must  hence  betimes, 
To  chase  these  blots  of  sorrow  from  my  face, — 
For  if  Colonna  should  behold  me  weep. 
So  tenderly  he  loves  me,  that  I  fear 
His  hot,  tempestuous  nature— Why,  Vicentio, 
Do  you  still  wrong  me  with  a  wildered  eye, 
That  sheds  suspicion  ] 

Vic.   [Asidc.^    1  now  remember 
Another  circumstance,  Ludovico 
Did  tell  me  as  I  came — I  do  not  see 
My  picture  on  her  bosom. 

'Eva.   Well,  Vicentio? 

Vic.  When  I  departed  hence,  about  your  neck 
I  hung  my  pictured  likeness,  which  mine  eyes. 
Made  keen  by  jealous  vigilance,  perchance 


Scene  11. ]  EVADiLE.  27 

Desire  upon  your  breast. 

Era.  And  is  tliat  all  1 
And  in  sucli  fond  and  petty  circumstance, 
Seek  you  suspicion's  nuurisbnicnt  1 — A'icentio, 
1  must  disclose  my  weakness — here,  Vicentio, 
1  have  pillowed  your  dear  image  on  a  heart 
You  should  not  have  distrusted. 

yD rates  the  King^s  T let ure  from  her  hosom. 
Here  it  is — 
And  now,  my  lord,  suspect  me  if  you  can. 

Vk.  \Starting?\   A  horrid  phantom,  more  accursed  than 
e'er 
Yet  cros-sed  the  sleep  of  frenzy,  stares  upon  me — 
Speak — speak  at  once — 
Or — let  it  blast  thee  too. 

Era.  Sure  some  dark  spell, 
Some  featful  witchery — I  am  struck  to  ashes, — 
Amazement,  like  the  lightning — give  it  me, 
And  1  will  fix  it  in  my  very  eyes, 
Clasp  it  against  my  sight — 'Tis  not  Vicentio  ! — 

Vic.  It  is  the  King  ! 

Eva.  Oh  !   do  not  yield  it  faith, — 
Give  not  thy  senses  credence  %     Oh,  Vicentio, 
I  am  confounded,  maddened,  lost,  Vicentio  ! 
Some  demon  paints  it  on  the  coloured  air — 
'Tis  not  reality  \h^l  stares  upon  me  ! — 
Oh  !   hide  it  from  my  sight  ! — 

Yic.  Chance  has  betrayed  thee, 
And  saves  my  periled  honour — Here,  thou  all  fraud, 
Thou  mass  of  painted  perjury, — thou  woman  ! — 
And  now  I  have  done  with  thee,  and  pray  to  heaven 
I  ne'er  may  see  thee  more.  [Going,  l.]  But,  hold! — I  must 
Recall  that  wish  again — The  time  will  come 
When  I  would  look  on  thee — then,  Evadne,  then. 
When  the  world's  scorn  is  on  thee,  let  me  see 
Thee,  old  in  ycmth,  and  bending  'neath  the  load 
Of  sorrow,  not  of  time — then  let  me  see  thee, 
And  may  est  thou,  as  I  pass,  lift  up  thy  head 
But  once  from  the  sad  earth,  and  then,  Evadne, 
Look  down  again  forever  !  \Exiti  E. 

Enter  Colonna,  m.  d.,  in  time  to  see  Vicentio  go  off.—Evad' 


28  EVADNF..  [Act  il 

7jf,  at  first  not  'perceiving  that  he  is  gone,  and  recovering 
from  her  stupefaction. 

Era.  I  will  swear — 
Give  it  back  to  me — Oh  !  I  am  innocent ! 

\  Rushes  vp  to  Cohnna,  icho  advances,  r.,  ?nisfaking  /fi^n 
for  a  moment  for  Vicentio. 
By  heaven,  I  am  innf)cent ! 

Col.   Who  dares  to  doubt  it, — 
Who  knows  thee  of  that  noble  family, 
That  cowardice  in  man,  or  wantonness 
In  woman,  ever  tarnished  % 

Era.   [Aside.]   He  is  gone  !  — 

Col.  But  how  is  this,*Evadne  1     In  your  face 
I  read  a  wildered  air  has  ta'en  the  place 
Of  that  placidity,  that  used  to  shine 
Forever  on  thy  holy  countenance. 

Eva.  Now,  as'I  value  my  Vicentio's  life — 

Col.  One  of  love's  summer  clouds,  I  doubt  me,  sister, 
Hath  floated  o'er  you,  though  'twere  better  far 
That  it  had  left  no  rain  drops. —  W^hat  has  happened  ? 

Eva.  There's  nothing  has  befallen,  only — 

Col.  What,  only] 

Eva.  I  pray  you,  pardon  me — I  must  begone  ! 

Col.  Evadne,  stay!   let  me  behold  you  well — - 
Why  do  you  stand  at  distance  1  nearer  still, — 
Evadne  ! — 

Eva.  Weill 

Col.  Vicentio — 

Eva.  [Assuming  an  affected  lightness  of  manner.^ 
Why,  Colonna — 

Think  you  that  I'm  without  my  sex's  arts, 
And  did  not  practise  all  the  toiturings 
That  make  a  woman's  triumph  1 

Col.  'Twas  not  well. 
1  hoped  thee  raised  above  all  artifice 
That  makes  thy  sex  but  infancy  matured. 
I  was  at  first  inclined  to  f(>llow  him, 
And  ask  what  this  might  mean  ? 

Eva.  Then  h(?  had  told 
That  I  had  played  the  tyrant. — Had  you  seen 
How  like  my  peevish  lap-dog  he  appeared, 


SnENE  I.]  EVADNE.  29 

Just  beaten  with  a  fan. — Ha  !  ha  !   Colunna, 

You  will  find  us  all  alike. — Ha  !  ha!  my  heart 

Will  break.  [^Bursts  into  ^cars. 

Col.  Farewell ! 

Er<i.   What  would  you  do"? 

Col.   Let  all  the  world 
Hold  me  a  slave,  and  hoard  upon  my  head 
Its  q-athered  infamy — be  all  who  bear 
Cwlonnci's  name  scorn-blighted — may  disgrace 
Gnaw  oiF  all  honour  from  my  family, 
If  I  permit  an  injury  to  thee 
To  'scape  Colonna's  vengeance  ! — 

Eva.  Hold,  my  brother  ! 
[  will  not  leave  thy  sight !  , 

CV.  Then  follow  me  ; 
And  if  thou  art  abandoned,  after  all 
Vicentio's  plighted  faith,  thou  sbalt  behold — 
By  heavens,  an  emperor  should  not  do  thee  wrong. 
Or,  if  he  did,  though  I'd  a  thousand  lives, 
I  had  given  them  all  to  avenge  thee. — I'll  inquire 
Into  this  business;   and  if  I  fii;d 
Thou  hast  lost  a  lover,  I  will  give  him  proof, 
I've  my  right  arm,  and  thou  thy  brother  still.  [Exeuntf  R. 

END    OP    ACT    II. 


ACT     III. 

Sc::xi:  I. — A  Street   in  Najdes. —  The  Front  of  Olivia's 

House,  R.  D.  F. 

Enter  Ludjvico  and  Vicentio,  l. 

LviL  There  is  Olivia's  house  ! 

r'/V-.  Thou  hast  resolved  me. 
1  thank  thee  for  thy  counsel,  and  at  once  [Crosses,  r. 

Speed  to  its  dread  performance.  ^ Raps,  r.  d.  f. 

Enter  a  Servant,  r.  d  p. 

'Bides  the  lady  Olivia  in  her  home  ? 

Serv.  She  does,  my  lord.  '  [Exit,  R.  d.  r. 


30  KVADXK.  [Acr/Il 

Vir.  Farewell,  Ludovico !  thou  see'st,  my  friend, 
For  such  I  ever  hold  thee,  that  1  pass 
The  stream  of  destiny.     Thou  say  est,   Ludovico, 
'Tis  necessary  for  my  fame, 

Lu(i.  No  less  — 
By  marrying  Olivia,  you  disperse 
The  noises  that  abroad  did  sully  you, 
Of  having-  given  consent  to  play  the  cloak 
To  the  .King's  dalliance. 

Vic.  Oh,  speak  of  it 
No  more,   Ludovica  !     Farewell,,  my  friend, 
I  will  obey  your  counsels. —        [Exit  into  Olivia's  hruse, 

Lvd.  Fare  you  well, 
Aly  passionate,  obsequifi>us  instrument, 
Whom  now  I  scorn  so  much,  I  scarcely  let  thee 
Reach  to  the  dignity  of  being  hated. 

Enter  fJie  King,  l.,  disguised. 

King.  My  faithful  servant,  my  Ludovico  ! 

Lud.  My  prince  !  I  did  not  hope  to  meet  you  here! 
What,  in  this  masqued  attire,  has  made  you  veil 
The  dazzling  brightness  of  your  royalty, 
And  led  you  from  your  palace  ] 

King.  I  have  ta'en 
Concealment's  wonted  habit,  to  escape 
The  hundred  eyes  of  curiosity, 
And,  weaned  with  the  rotatory  course 
Of  diill  unchanging  pleasure,  sought  for  thee. 
Shall  she  be  mine,   Ludovico  ] 

Lud.  My  liege, 
I  marvel  not  at  the  impatient  throb 
Of  restless  expectation  in  your  heart. 
And  know,  my  liege,  that  not  in  vain  I  toil. 
To  waft  you  to  her  bosom-,  for  Vicentio 
Renounces  her  forever  !   and  but  movsd 
Ry  my  wise  counsels,  hath  already  piayed 
The  fair  Olivia's  hand. 

Kinw.   ^fow,    my  Ludovico, 
Didst  thou  accom])lish  it  1 

Lud.   T  turned  to  use 
The  passion  of  Olivia  ;   while  Evodne  traced 
A  letter  to  Vicenti(\  suddeiilv 


Scent:  I.]  EVACNE.  31 

The  news  of  his  expected  coming  reached 

Her  panting  breast,   and  in  the  rush  of  joy, 

Unfinished  on  her  table  did  she  leave 

The  page  of  amorons  wishes,  which  the  care 

Of  unpei'ceived  Olivia  ha])ly  seized, 

And  bore  unto  my  hand. — Vicentio's  name 

Was  drowned  in  hurried  vocatives  of  love, 

As  thus — "  My  lord — my  life — my  soul," — the  which 

I  made  advantage  of,  and  did  persuade  him 

'Twas  written  to  your  highness, — and  with  lights     . 

Caught  fi-om  the  very  torch  of  truest  love^ 

I  fired  rlije  furies'  brands — 

K''nL(.  My  faithful  friend  1 

Lu'L  Then  with  your  picture  did  Olivia  work 
Suspici(*n  into  frenzy — when  he  came 
From  your  Evadne's  house,    I  threw  myself, 
As  if  by  fortune,  in  his  path  : — I  ui-ged 
His  heated  passions  to  ray  j)urpo3es. 
And  bade  liim  ask  Olivia's  haiid,  to  piove 
Hew  much  he  scorned  her  falsehood. —  Rven  now 
He  makes  his  suit,  for  there  Olivia  dwells. 
And  as  you  came,  he  entei-od. 

K'nin:.    I>ut  wherein 
Will  this  promote  the  crowning  of  my  \o\e  ? 

Lud.  I  said  Colonna's  self  should  be  the  first 
To  lead  you  to  her  arms — 

King.   Thou  didst,   Ludovico, 
The  which  perform.ed,   I'll  give  thee  half  ray  r«alm. 

[Crosses^  r. 

Lud.  [Aside]   You  shall  give  all! 

King.  Accomplish  tliis,  ray  friend. 
Thou  art  my  great  Apollo  ! 

Lad.  No,  my  Hege, 
You  shall  be  Jove, 

And  taste  more  joys  than  the  Olympian  did, 
In  gr»lden  showers  in  Danae's  yielding  heart. 

King.   Ludovico,  thou  art  as  dear  to  me 
As  the  rich  circle  of  my  royalty. 
Farewell,  Ludovico  ;   1  shall  expect 
Some  speedy  tidings  from  thee — fare  thee  well! 
To-night,  Ludovico.  [Exit,  r. 

Lud.   To  night,  you  perish  ! 


32  EVADNK  [A-ZT  111 

Colonna's  dagger  shall  let  out  your  r>lood, 
And  lance  your  wanton  and  high-swelling  veins. — 
That  i  should  stoop  to  such  an  infamy  ! 
Evadne  here  ! 

Enter  EvADXE,  l. 

Not  for  tiie  King,  but  for  myself  I  mean, 
A  feast  fit  for  the  gods  ! 

Eca.  [  With  some  agitation.]   My  Lord  Ludovico — 

Lud.  The  beautiful  Evadne  ! 
What  would  the  brightest  maid  of  Italy 
Of  her  poor  servant  l 

Eva.  Sir,  may  I  entreat 
Your  knowledge  where  the  Count  Vicentio 
'Bides  at  this  present  instant  1     I  have  been  informed 
He  'companied  you  here. 

Lud.  It  grieves  me  sore 
He  hath  dorm  you  so  much  wrong. 

!-lva.   What  may  you  mean  1 

Lud.  'Tis  talked  of  in  the  whispering  gallery, 
Wliere  envy  holds  her  court : 

Who  would  have  thought  Vicentio's  heart  was  like 
A  plaything  stuck  with  Cupid's  lightest  plumes, 
Thus  to  be  tossed  from  one  heart  lo  another'? 
Ov  rather,  who  had  thought  that  you  were  made 
For  such  abandonment  ? 

Era.   I  scarce  can  guess — 

Lud.  I  did  not  mean  to  touch  so  nice  a  wound. 
If  you  desire  to  learn  where  now  he  bides, 
1  can  inf^:)rm  you. 

Era.    Where,  Ludovico  1 

Lud.   Yonder,  Evadne,  in  Olivia's  house. 

I'lrn.  Olivia's  house]  what  woujd  he  there  t 

Lud .  You  know 
Vicentio  and  Olivia  are  to-day — 

Eva.  My  lord  1 
*  Lud.   Are  to  be  married — 

Era.   Married,  my  lord  ] 
Vicentio  and  Olivia  to  be  married  ! 

Lud.   I  am  sorry  that  it  moves  you  thus — Evadne  j 
"  Mad  I  been  used  as  that  inirrate,  be  sure 
*"  I  ne'er  had  proved  like  him"'— I  uould  not  thus 


Scene  l.J  EVADNt.  33 

Have  flung  thee  like  a  pt^ppy  from  my  iieait. 

A  drowsy,  sleep-provoking  flower  : — Cvadne, 

1  had  not  thus  deserted  you  !  |  ^lit^  r. 

Eva.  Vicentio, 
Olivia  and  Vicentio  to  be  married  1 
I  heard  it — yes — I  am  sure  1  did — Vicentio  ! 
Olivia  to  be  married  ! — and  Evadne, 
Whose  heart  was  made  of  adoration — 
Vicentio  in  her  house  1  there — underneath 
That  woman's  roof — behind  the  door  that  looks 
To  shut  me  out  from  hope. — I  will  myself — 

[Advancing,  then  checking  herself. 
I  do  not  dare  to  do  it — but  he  could  not. — 
He  could  not  use  me  thus — he  could  not — Ha  ! 

Ejiter  Vicentio,  from  Olivia's  House,  r,  d.  p. 

Vic.  Evadne  here  1 

Eva.   Would  1  had  been  born  blind, 
Not  to  behold  the  fatal  evidence 
Of  my  abandonment  ! — Am  I  condemned 
Even  by  the  ocular  proof,  to  be  made  sure 
That  I'm  a  wretch  forever! 

Vic.  [Adva??.ces,  r.]   Does  she  come 
To  bate  me  with  reproaches  1  or  does  she  dare 
To  think  that  she  can  angle  me  again 
To  the  vile  pool  wherein  she  meant  to  catch  me  1 
I'll  pass  her  with  the  bitterness  of  scorn. 
Nor  seem  to  know  her  present  to  my  sight, 

[Crosses,  l.,  and  parses  her. 
Now  I'm  at  least  revenged.  [G^ing^  l. 

Eva.  My  lord,   I  pray  you — 
My  lord,   I  dare  entreat — Vicentio — 

Vie.   Who  calls  upon  Vicentio  ]      Was  it  you  ? 
What  would  you  with  him,  for  1  bear  the  name. 

Eva.  Sir,  I— 

V/'c.  Go  on. — [Aside.]   I'll  taunt  her  to  the  quick 

Eva.  My  lord,  1— 

Vic.   I  pray  you,  speak — 1  cannot  guess. 
By  such  wild  broken  phrase,  what  you  would  have 
Of  one  who  knows  you  not. 

Eva.  Not  know  me  ? 

Vic.  No— 


34  EVADNE  [Act  I^I 

Let  me  look  in  your  face — there  is  indeed 
Some  faint  resemblance  to  a  countenance 
Once  much  familiar  to  Vicentio's  eyes, 
But  'tis  a  shadowy  one  ; — she  that  I  speak  of 
Was  full  of  virtues,  as  the  milky  way 
Upon  a  frozen  night  is  thick  with  stars. 
She  was  as  pure  as  an  untasted  fountain, 
Fresh  as  an  April  blossom,  kind  as  love, 
And  good  as  infants  giving  chanty  ! — 
Such  was  Evadne  : — fare  you  well  1 

Eva.  My  lord, 
Is't  true  what  1  have  heard  1 — 
Vic.  What  have  you  heard  1 

Era.  Speak — are  you  to  be  married — let  me  hear  it — > 
Thank  heavu,  I've  strength  to  hear  it. 

Vic.  I  scarce  guess 
What  interest  you  find  in  one  that  deems 
Himself  a  stranger  to  you. 
Eva.  Sir— 
Vic.  But  if 
You  are  indeed  solicitous  to  learn 
Auglit  that  imports  me,  learn  that  I  to-day 
Have  asked  the  fair  Olivia's  hand,  in  place  of  one — 

Era.   You  have  bedewed  with  tears,  and  that  henceforth 
Will  fear  no  lack  of  tears,  thoug^h  they  may  fall 
From  other  eyes  than  yours. — So,  then,  Vicentio, 
Fame  did  not  wrong  you, —  You  are  to  be  married  1 

Vic.  To  one  within  whose  heart  as  pure  a  fire 
As  ill  the  shrine  of  A^'esta,  long  has  burned. 
Not  the  coarse  flame  of  a  corrupted  heart, 
To  every  worship  dedicate  alike, 
A  false  perfidious  seeming. — 

Era.    I  implore  you 
To  spare  your  accusations. — 1  am  come — 
Vic.  Doubtless  to  vindicate  yourself 
Eva.  Oh,  no  ! — 
An  angel  now  would  vainly  plead  my  cause 
Within  Vicentio's  heart — therefore,  my  lord, 
1  have  no  intent  to  interrupt  the  rite 
'J'hat  makes  that  lady  yours  ;   but  I  am  come 
Thus  breathless  as  you  see  me — would  to  heav'n 
I  could  be  tearless,  too  ! — *'  you  will  think,  perhaps, 


HCESE  l.;i  EVADNE.  35 

*•  That  'gainst  the  trembling  Tearfulness  I  sin, 
**  That  best  becomes  a  woman,  and  that  most 
*"  Becomes  a  sad  abandoned  one." 

Vic.  Evadne — 
Evadne,  you  deceive  yourself. 

Eva.  "  I  knew 
"  I  should  encounter  this — 
"  But  I  will  endure  it" — nay,  more,  my  lord, 
Hear  all  the  vengeance  I  intend. — 

Vic.  Go  on.  — 

Eva.  May  you  be  happy  with  that  happier  maid. 
That  never  could  have  loved  you  more  than  I  do, 
But  may  deserve  you  better  ! — May  your  days, 
Like  a  long  stormless  summer,  glide  away, 
And  peace  and  trust  be  with  you  ! — "  May  you  be 
'*  The  after-patterns  of  felicity, 
"  That  lovers,  when  they  wed,  may  only  wish 
"  To  be  as  blest  as  you  were  ;  loveliness 
"  Dwell  round  about  you,  like  an  atmosphere. 
"  Of  our  soft  southern  air,  where  every  flower 
"  In  Hymen's  yellow  wreath  may  bloom  and  blow  ! 
•*  Let  nature,  with  the  strong  domestic  bond 
•*  Of  parent  tenderness,  unite  your  hearts 
*'  In  holier  harmony  ;   and  when  you  see 
•*  What  you  both  love,  more  ardently  adore  !" 
And  when  at  last  you  close  your  gentle  lives. 
Blameless  as  they  were  blessed,  may  you  fall 
Into  the  grave  as  softly  as  the  leaves 
Of  two  sweet  roses  on  an  autumn  eve. 
Beneath  the  soft  sighs  of  the  western  wind, 
Drop  to  the  earth  together  !— for  myself — 
I  will  but  pray — [Sohhing.] — I  will  but  pray,  my  lord 

V/'c.  [Aside.]  I  must  begone,  else  she  may  soon  regain 
A  mastery  o'er  my  nature. 

Era.  dh,  Vicentio, 
I  see  that  I  am  doomed  a  trouble  to  you. 
I  shall  not*  long  be  so. 
There's  but  one  trouble  I  shall  ever  give 
To  any  one  again.     I  will  but  pray 
The  maker  of  the  lonely  beds  of  peace 
To  open  one  of  his  deep,  hollow  ones, 
Where  misery  goes  to  sleep,  and  let  me  in  ;— 


.•^6  hVAD^i:.  [ACT  ill 

If  ever  you  chance  To  pass  beside  my  grave, 
I  am  sure  you'll  not  refuse  a  little  sigh. 
And  if  my  friend,   (1  still  will  call  her  so,) 
My  friend,  Olivia,  chide  you,  pr'ythee  tell  her 
Not  to  be  jealous  of  me  in  ray  grave. 

Vic.  The  picture  !      In  your  bosom — near  your  heart- 
There,  on  the  very  swellings  of  your  breast, 
The  very  shrine  of  chastity,  you  raised 
A  f  >ul  and  cursed  idol  \ 

Era.  You  did  not  give  me  time — no—  not  a  moment. 
To  think  what  villainy  was  wrought  to  make  mo 
So  hateful  to  your  eyes. — It  is  too  late  ; 
You  are  Olivia's,  I  have  no  claim  to  you — 
You  have  renounced  me — 

Vie.  Come,  confess — confess — 

Eva.   What,  then,  should    1    confess  ? — that  you,  thai 
heaven, 
■  That  all  the  world  seems  to  conspire  against  me, 
And  that  I  am  accursed  1 — But  let  me  bold — 
1  waste  me  in  the  selfishness  of  woe, 
While  life,  perchance,  is  periled, — Oh,  Yicentio. 
Prithee,  avoid  Colonna's  sight  I 

Vic.  Evadne  '? — 
You  do  not  think  to  fright  me  with  his  name  ? 

Eva.  Vicentio,  do  not  take  away  from  me 
All  that  I've  left  to  love  in  all  the  world  ! 
Avoid  Colonna's  sight  to-day. — Yicentio, 
Only  to-day  avoid  him, — I  will  find 
Some  way  to  reconcile  him  to  my  fate — 
I'll  lay  the  blame  upon  my  hapless  head  ! — 
Only  to-day,  Yicentio. 

Enter  Colonn.\,  r.  s,  e. 

Col.  (r.)  Ha!   my  sister! 
Where  is  thy  dignity  1      Where  is  the  pride 
Meet  for  Colonna's  sister  ? — hence  !  —  My  lord— 

Vic.  (l.)   What  would  you,  sir'? 

Cul.  Your  life  : — you  are  briefly  answered. 
Look  here,  sir. — To  this  lady  you  preferred 
Your  despicable  love  I      Long  did  you  woo. 
And  when  at  last,  by  constant  adoration, 
Her  sigh  levealed  that  you  were  heard,  you  gained 


SCi-NE  I.] 


hVADiS-E.  37 


Her  brother's  cold  assent, — Well,  then — no  moie — 

For  I've  no  patience  to  repeat  by  cause 

The  wrong  that  thou  hast  cl(»ne  her.     It  has  reached 

Colonna's  ear,  that  you  have  abandoned  her — 

It  rings  through  Naples,  my  good  lord — now,  mark  me — 

I  am  her  brother — 

V?c.  Well— 

Eva.  (c.)  Forbear!  forbear! 
I  have  no  injury  you  should  resent 
In  such  a  fearful  fashion. — I — my  brother — 
I  am  sure  I  never  uttered  a  complaint 
Heaved  with  one  sigh,  nor  shed  a  single  tear. 
Look  at  me,   ofood  Colonna  ! — now,  Coloima, 
Can  you  discern  a  sorrow  in  my  face  £ 
I  do  not  weep — I  do  not — look  upon  me — 
Why,  I  can  smile,  Colonna.  \ Bvrsis  into  tears. 

Oh  I  my  brother  ! — 

CoL  You  weep,  Evadne  I  but  I'll  mix  your  tears 
With  a  false  villain's  blood. — If  you  have  left 
A  sense  of  anght  that's  noble  in  you  still — 

Vic.  My  lord,  you  do  mistake,  if  you  have  hope 
Vicentio's  name  was  e'er  designed  to  be 
The  cloak  of  such  vile  purpose — 

Col.  How  ]  explain — 
I  understand  you  not. 

Eva.  Forbear,  Colonna  ; 
Before  your  face,  and  in  the  face  of  heaven, 
1  freely  do  resign  him  ;    1  forgive  him, 
And  may  heaven  follow  my  example,  too! 

Col.   But  I  will  not,  Evadne. — 1  shall  deal 
In  briefest  phrase  with  you. — Is't  true,  my  lord, 
You  have  abandoned  her  ] 

Vic.  Is't  true,  my  lora, 
That  to  the  king — 

Col.  The  king'? 

Vic.  And  could  you  think 
That  I  am  to  be  made,  an  instrument 
For  such  a  foul  advancement  1  do  you  think 
That  I  would  turn  my  name  into  a  cloak  ? — 

■  Eia.  Colonna,  my  dear  brother  !     Oh,  Alcentio  ! 
My  love,  my  life,  my — pardon  me,  my  lord, 
1  had  forgot — i  have  no  right  to  i'.i;e 
[) 


3S  EVADNE.  [Act  III. 

Words  that  were  once  familiar  to  my  lips  : 

But,  for  Heaven's  sake,  I  do  implore  you  here — • 

Col.  Sir,  you  said  something,  if  I  heard  aright, 
Touching  the  king  ; — explain  yourself 

Vic.  1  will ! 
I  will  not  wed  his  mistress  ! 

Eca.  [  With  reproach.]  Oh,  Vicentio ! 
Whom  mean  you,  sir  ?  , 

Vic.   Look  there  ! 

Col  Evadne  !  ha  1 

Vic.  Evadne  ! 

Col.   [Crosses,  c,  and  strikes  him  with  his  glove i\   Heie's 
my  answer  !  follow  me  ! 
Beyond  the  city's  gates,  I  shall  expect  you.  [Exit,  l. 

Eva.  [Clinging  to  Vicentio,  iv ho  has  his  sword  draiim^ 
and  hnecling  to  him.\  You  shall  not  stir  ! 

Vic.  If  from  his  heart  I  poured 
A  sea  of  blood,  it  would  not  now  content  me. 
Indolent  villain  !  dost  thou  stay  me  back] 
Away  !  unloose  me  ! 

Eva.  Olivia,  hear  me — listen  to  my  cry — 
It  is  thy  husband's  life  that  now  I  plead  for; 
Save,  oh,  save  him  ! 

Vic.  Then  must  I  fiing  thee  from  me. 
That  swift  as  lightning  on  the  whirlwind's  wings, 
I  rush  to  my  revenge  ! 

Eva,  Oh  !  my  poor  heart ! 
Choak  not,  thou  struggling  spirit,  in  my  breast ! 
Hear  me,  Olivia  ! — Olivia,  hear  me  ! 

"  Vicentio  drags  Evadne  off,  r.,  she  clinging   round  hit 
neck 

END    OF    ACT    III. 


ScEifE  I.]  EVADNE.  '  39 

ACT    IV. 

Scene  I. — The  Bay,  and  Vieio  of  Naples. 

Entej-  CoLONNA  and  Vicentio,  l.,  witJi  their  swords  drawKy 
passing  across  to  R. 

Col.  Yonder,  my  lord,  beside  the  cypress  grove, 
Fast  by  the  churchyard — there's  a  place,  niethinks, 
Where  we  may  'scape  the  eye  of  observation. 

Vic.  I  follow,  sir — the  neighbourhood  of  the  grave 
Will  suit  our  purpose  well,  for  you  or  I 
Must  take  its  measure  ere  the  sun  be  set.         [Exeunt,  r. 

Enter  Ludovico,  l.  s.  e.,  as  they  go  off. 

Lnd.  Ha  !  there  they  go  ! — the  furies,  with  their  whips 
Of  hissing  serpents,  lash  you  to  your  fate  ! 
My  dull  and  passionate  f  )ols — you  fall  at  last 
.Into  the  pit  1  have  dug  for  you — the  grave. 
You  grasp  the  murdeiing  hilt,   while  I,  in  thought, 
Already  clench  the  glorious  staff  of  empire. 
1  hate  you  both  ! — One  of  you  has  denounced  me — 
Tlie  other,  robbed  me  of  a  woman's  love. 
'Jliey  have  already  entered  in  the  gTove 
Of  funeral  cypress. — Now  they  are  lost 
Amid  the  crowded  trunks — and  yet  a  moment, 
And  they  will  be  about  it ! — Now,  Vicentio, 
'i'hy  fate  is  sealed. — Colonna's  arm — 
Ha  !    who  comes  here  1 

Evadne  ! — yes — my  eyes  deceive  me  not — 
'Twas  happiest  chance  that  led  me  to  the  field — 
Slie  must  be  interrupted — let  me  think — 
I  have  it. 

Enter  Evadne,  l. 

Eca.  For  heaven's  sake,  whoe'er  you  are, 
Tell  me  which  way  they  passed — doth  not  this  lead 
To  the  eastern  gate  of  the  city  1 — Ha  !    Ludovico  ! 
My  loi'd,   my  lord — my  brother,   and  Vicentio — 

Lud.  I  know  it  all — and  I  shall  thank  the  fate 
That  made  Ludovico  the  messenger 


•iO  l.VAtNE  [Act  IV. 

or  sucli  l)]esl  il.iings  to  Evadne's   3ar — 
Vour  brother  and  Vicentio. 

Eko.   Speak,  my  lord — 
For  heaven's  sake,  speak  ! 

Lu(J.  They  are  secure — thank  heaven, 
Their  purpose  is  prevented. — 

i??Y/.  Secure! 
My  brother  and  Vicentio  are  secure! 

Lud.  By  providential  circumstance,  before 
Their  purpose  was  accomplished,  both  were  seized, 
And  all  their  furious  passions  are  as  hushed 
As  the  still  waters  of  yon  peaceful  bay. 

Ef-a.  Ludovico,  I  cannot  speak  how  much 
Thou  hast  bound  me  to  thee,  by  the  holy  sounds 
Thou  hast  breathed  upon  mine  ear! — But,  tell  me,  sir, 
Where,  how,  and  when  was  this  1 — What  blessed  hand— 
"  Speak,  my  lord  !" 

Ijifd.  'Twas  r  ! 

Ecd.  'Twas  you,  Ludovico  1 

Lud.  The  snme  ! 
Hearing  Olivia's  marriage  with  Vicentio, 
I  saw  the  dreadful  issue,   and  I  flew 
AV^ith  the  strong  arm  of  power  to  intercept  them. 

Ilea.   'Twas  you,  Ludovico — what  shall  I  say? 
I  I; now  n(,t  what  to  tell  you. — But,  heav'n  bless  you  ! 
A  thousand  times,  heaven  bless  you  ! — On  my  knees, 
Ajh]  at  your  feet,   I  thai]k  you.  [Kncch, 

Lud.   Beautiful  Evadne  ! 
Loveliest  beneath  the  skies,  where  everything 
Grows  lovely  as  themselves  !     Nay,  do  not  bend 
-^I'our  eyes,  and  hide  beneath  these  fleecy  clouds, 
Stais  beaming  as  the  evening  one,  nor  turn 
That  cheek  away,  that,  like  a  cold  rose,  seems 
])esprankt  with  snow  ! — nor  strive  to  win  from  me 
'i'liose  hands,   which  he  who  formed  the  lily,  formed 
With  imitative  whiteness — I  will  presume, — 
For  your  dear  sight  hath  made  a  r,iadman  of  me, 
To  press  my  rapture  here — 

\Ahout  to  take  her  hand,  uhdch  she  rarclcssl//  iviihdravs^ 

Eva.  My  lord,   I  own 
Tliat  you  surprise  me,   and  were  I  not  bound 
My  strenuous  olilic-gtion,  I  should  say^ 


SCERJC   I.] 


EVADNE  41 


Percbance  you  did  offend  me — But  I  will  not  ! 
Accept  my  gradtiude,  and  be  you  sure 
These  thanks  are  from  a  warm  and  honest  iieait. 
Farewell  !  [  Crosses,  ii, 

Lud.  You  fly  me,  then  ! 
Eva.  I  do  not  fly  your  presence,  but  I  go 
To  seek  my  brother's  bosom— 
Lud.  And  Vicentio's  ! 
Eva.  You  would  be  merry,  sir. 
Lud.  1  have  not  cause — 
Nor  shall  you,  madam.     You  would  fly  me  thus, 
To  rush  at  once  into  my  rival's  arms — 
Nay,  do  not  start — he  well  deserve.^  the  name — 
1  know  him  by  no  other. 

Eva.  Sir,  I  hope 
You  will  not  revive  a  subject  that  has  long 
Between  us  been  forgotten. 
Lud.  What !  forgotten  1 
I  did  not  think  to  hear  it — said  you  forj^otten  1 
Nay,  do  not  think  you  leave  me — in  return 
For  such  small  service  as  I  have  done  to-day, 
I  beg  your  audience — tell  me  what's  forgotten  ] 
1  would  hear  it  from  your  lips. 

Eva.  I  did  not  mean — 
Forgive,  and  let  me  go.  [Crosses,  n. 

Lrid.   What  1  what  forgotten  1 
Your  heartlessness  to  all  the  maddening  power 
Of  the  tumultuous  passions  in  my  heait  ! — 
What !  what  forgotten  1  all  the  injuries 
You  have  cast  upon  my  head — the  stings  of  fire 
You  have  driven  into  my  soul — my  agonies, 
My  tears,  my  supplications,  and  the  groans 
Of  my  indignant  spirit !      1  can  hold 
My  curbed  soul  no  more — it  rushes  out ! 
What  1  what  forgotten  1 — me — Ludovico  ] 

Eva.  I  pray  you,  my  good  Ici'd,  for  heaven's  sake,  near 

me. 
Lud.  What !   to  behold  him,  like  a  pilferer, 
With  his  smcoth  face  of  meanless  infancy, 
And  his  soft  moulded  body,  steal  away 
That  feathered  thing,  thy  heart. 
Era.   Ludovico, 


42  EVADNE.  fAJT  IV 

What  may  this  sudden  fury  mean  ? — you  do 
But  act  these  horrid  passions  to  affright  me  ! 
For  you  to-day  preserved  him,  did  you  not  1 
Did  you  not  say  you  saved  Vicentio  1 

Li/(i.  I  will  permit  you  shortly  to  embrace  him  — 
I  will  not  long  detain  you  from  his  arms — 
Eut  you  will  find  him  grown  as  cold  a  lover 
As  moonlight  statues — his  fond  arms  will  hang 
in  loosened  idleness  about  your  form, — 
And  from  those  lips,  where  you  were  wont  to  t'imbibe 
The  fiery  respiration  of  the  heart. 
You  will  touch  the  coldness  of  the  unsunned  snow, 
Without  it's  purity. 

Eva.  I  now  perceive 
What  you  would  hint,  my  lord  : — doubtless  you  deem 
Vicentio  hath  preferred  Olivia's  love  ? 

Lud.  If  you  can  wake  his  heart  to  love  again, 
I'll  hold  you  for  a  sorceress — no,  Evadne, 
You.  ne'er  shall  be  Vicentio's — but  mine! 

Eva.  Thine! 

Lud.  Mine  I — I  have  said  it,  and  before  to-night 
I'll  verify  the  prophecy. 

Eva.  I  know  not 
What  lies  within  the  dark  and  horrid  cave 
.Of  your  imagination  ;  but  be  sure 
I  had  rather  clasp  Vicentio  dead — I  see 
That  you  recoil  with  passion. 

Lud.  By  the  fires — 
Down,  down,  my  burning  heart ! — So  you  would  rather 
Within  Vicentio's  cold  and  mouldering  shroud, 
Warm  into  love,  than  on  this  beating  heart  ? 
But  be  it  so — you  will  have  occasim  soon 
To  try  the  experiment — and  then,  Evadne, 
You  will  more  aptly  judge. 

Eva.  Ha  !   a  strong  glare, 
Like  the  last  flash  from  sinking  ships,  has  poured 
A  horrid  radiance  on  me — Ha!    Ludovico — 
Let  it  be  frenzy  that  before  ray  face 
Spreads  out  that  sheet  of  blood — 

Lud.   Well,  my  Evadne  1 

Eva.  Demon,  hast  thou  mocked  me  1 

Lud.  Didst  thou  not  scorn — didst  thou  not  madden  me  ? 


Scene  I.]  EVADNE.  43 

Dulst  thou  not — Ha  !  [Seeing  Colonna,  crosses^  R. 

By  heavens,  it  is  himself! — 

All  is  accomplished — and  upon  m5  rront 

Methinks  I  clasp  the  round  of  royaic^  . 

Ah-eady  do  I  clasp  thee  in  mine  arms  ! 

Kvadne! — There — look  there — Colonna  comes, 

[Crosses,  l. 
And  on  that  weapon,  flaming  from  afar, 
He  bears  the  vengeance  of  Ludovico.  [Exit,  l. 

Ente?'  Colonna,  r.,  vnth  his  sword  bloody. 

Col.  Evadne  here  ! 

Eva.  My  brother ! 

Col.  Call  me  so — 
For  I  have  proved  myself  to  be  thy  brother. 
Look  here ! 

Eva.  There's  blood  upon  it ! 

Col.  And  there  should  be. 

Eva.  Thou  hast — 

Col.   I  have  revenged  thee  ! 

Eva.  Thou  hast  slain — 
Villain,  thou  hast  slain  Vicentio  1 

Col.  I  have  revenged  thee — 
For  any  wrong  done  to  my  single  self, 
I  should,  perhaps,  repent  me  of  the  deed  ; 
But,  for  a  wrong  to  thee — Why  dost  thou  look 
Up  to  the  heavens  with  such  a  'vvildered  gaze  1 

Eva.  To  curse  thee,  and  myself,  and  all  the  world ! 
Villain,  thou  hast  slain  Vicentio  ! — thou  hast  slain  him 
Who  was  as  dear  unto  my  frantic  heart, 
As  thou  art  horrible  ! — and  'tis  to  me 
Thou  comest  to  tell  me,  too — thou  comest  to  bear 
That  weapon  weltering  with  my  lover's  blood, 
And  stab  these  blasted  eye-balls — Hide  thee,  villain  ! 
Hide  thee  within  the  centre  of  the  earth  ! 
Thou  art  all  made  of  blood — and  to  the  sun 
Art  grown  detestable — [Crosses,  r.]   Vicentio  ! 
My  lord  !   my  bosom's  throb  !   my  pulse  of  life  ! 
My  soul  !  my  joy — my  love  ! — my  all  the  world  ! 
Vicentio!  Vicentio!  [Crosses,!. 

Col.  Thy  passionate  grief 
Doth  touch  me  more  tl  an  it  beseems  mine  honour. 


44  EVADiNK.  [AcTiV 

Eva.  Strike  that  infernal  weapon  through  my  heart  \ 
Colonna,  kill  me  ! 
Kill  me,  my  brother  ! 

Co/.  Prithee,  my  Evadne, 
Let  me  conduct  thy  grief  to  secresy — 
I  must  from  l>ence  prepare  my  speedy  flight, 
For  now  my  head  is  forfeit  to  the  law  ! 

Enter  Spalatro,  with  Officer  and  eight  Guards,  b 

SpaK  Behold  him  here.     Sir,  I  am  sorry  for 
The  duty  which  mine  office  hath  prescribed  ! 
You  are  my  prisoner. 

Col.  Sir,  there  is  need 
Of  little  words  to  excuse  you — I  was  talking 
Of  speeding  me  from  Naples,  as  you  came, 
But  I  scarce  grieve  you  interrupt  my  flight, — 
Here  is  my  sword. 

Spal.   Vou  are  doomed  to  death ! 

Era.  To  death  ! 

Spal.  The  king  himself, 
Hearing  your  combat  wiih  Vicentio, 
Hath  sworn,  that  who  survived,  shall  by  the  axe — 

CoJ.  You  speak  before  a  woman — I  was  well 
iVcquainted  with  my  fate  before  you  spoke  it. 

Eva.  Death  !   must  you  die,  Colonna  1  must  you  die  ] 
Oh  !  no — no — no  !  not  die,  sir, — say  not  die — 

[  Crosses,  c. 

Co/.  Retire,  my  sister — sir,  I  follow  you — 

Eva.  Oh,  not  die,  Colonna  !   no,  Colonna. 
Th«y  shall  not  take  thee  from  me  ! 

Co/.  My  sweet  sister  ! 
1  pray  you,  gentlemen,  one  moment  more — 
This  lady  is  my  sister,  and  indeed 
Is  now  my  only  kin  in  all  the  ^vorld, 
And  I  must  die  for  her  sake — my  sweet  sister  ! 

Eva.  No,  no,  not  die,  my  brother — Oh  !   not  die ! 

Co/.  Evadne  !  sweet  Evadne  !     Let  me  hear 

\Evadne  hecor.ics  gradua/ly  insensible 
Thy  voice  before  I  go — I  prithee,  speak — 
That  even  in  death  I  may  remembei-  me 
Of  its  sweet  sounds,  Evadne — She  has  fainted ! 
Sir,  I  have  a  prayer  to  you. 


h     .yr.  IT.]  EVADNE.  45 

Spal.  It  shall  be  granted. 
Col.   My  palace  is  hard  by — let  some  of  these 
Good  guardians  of  the  law  attend  me  thither. 
Evadne,  for  thy  sake,  I  am  almost  loth 
To  leave  a  world,  the  which,  when  I  am  gone, 
Thou  wilt  find,  I  fear,  a  solitary  one  !# 

[Exit,  hearing  Evadne,  and  followed  by  Spalatro  and 
Guards,  r. 

Scene  IT. — A  Prison. 
Enter  Ludovico.  r.,  meeting  Spalatro,  l. 

Lud.  Where  is  Colonna  % — Not  yet  arrived  1 

Spnl.  Guarded,  he  bore 
His  sister  to  his  palace,  from  the  which 
He  will  be  soon  led  here. — 

Lud.  Spalatro,  as  1  passed,  a  rumor  came, 
Colonna's  sword  had  but  half  done  the  work, 
And  that  Vicentio  was  not  stabbed  to  death — 
]f  he  still  lives — but  till  1  am  sure  of  it, 
,No  need  to  speak  my  resolution, — 
Thou  art  his  friend — 

Sjml.  Such  I'm  indeed  accounted. 
But,  save  yourself,  none  doth  deserve  the  name. 

Lud.  Then,  hie  thee  hence,  Spalatro,  to  inform  me 
If  yet  Vicentio  breathes — [Sjmlairo  crosses,  u.] — and  after- 
wards, 
I'll  make  some  trial  of  thy  love  to  me. 

[Exit  Spalatro,  r.  d. 

Etiter  CoLONXA,  Officer,  and  eight  Guards,  l. 

Col.  Conduct  me  to  my  dungeon  ! — I  have  parted 
From  all  that  bound  my  bosom  to  the  world — 
Ludovico  ! 

Lud.   The  same. 

Col.  Come  you,   my  lord, 
To  swill  with  drunken  thirst,  the  poor  revenge 
That  makes  a  little  mind's  ignoble  joy  ? 

Lvd.  Guards!   I  discharge  Colonna  from  your  care  ; 
He  is  no  more  your  prisoner — Hence ! 

[Exeunt  Officer  and  Guards^  L. 
My  lord, 


46  LVADNE.  [ACT  IV 

Such  is  the  vengeance  of  Ludovico ! 

Col.   What  is  a  man,  doomed  to  the  stroke  of  death, 
To  understand  by  this  1 

Lud.   That  I  am  his  fiiend, 
Who  called  me  traitor ! 

Col,  Such  I  call  you  still. 

Lud.  Weil,  the^,  I  am  a  traitor. 

Col.  There  is  here 
A  kind  of  marvellous  honesty,  my  lord. 

Lud.  In  you,  'twas  nobleness  to  bear  the  charge, 
"  And  yet  'twas  glory  to  deserve  it,  too. 
"  Your  father  was  the  tutor  of  the  king, 
"  And  loyalty  is  your  inheritance — 
*'  1  am  not  blind  to  such  exalted  virtue," 
And  I  resolved  to  win  Colonna's  heart, 
As  hearts  like  his  are  won  ! — Unto  the  king, 
Soon  as  Vicentio's  fate  had  reached  mine  ear, 
I  hastened  and  implored  your  life. 

CoL  My  life  !— 
Well,  sir,  my  life  1  [  With  indifference, 

Lud.  Upon  my  knees  I  fell. 
Nor  can  1  speak  the  joy  that  in  my  heart 
Leaped,  when  1  heard  him  say,  that  thou  shouldst  live. 

Col.  I  am  loth  to  owe  you  gratitude,  my  lord, 
But,  for  my  sister's  sake,  whom  I  would  not 
Leave  unprotected  on  the  earth,   I  thank  you  ! 

Lvd.  You  have  no  cause  to  thank  me  ;  for,  Colonna, 
He  did  pronounce  your  death,  e'en,  as  he  said, 
He  gave  you  life. 

Col.  I  understand  you  not. 

Lud.  Your  honour's  death,  Colonna,  which  I  hold 
The  fountain  of  vitality. 

Col,  Go  on  ! 
I  scarce  did  hear  what  did  concern  my  life, 
But  aufjlit  that  touches  honour — 

Lud.  Oh  !   Colonna, 
I  almost  dread  to  tell  thee. 

CoL  Priihee,  speak  ! 
You  put  me  on  the  rack  ! 

Lud.  Wilt  thou  promise  me, — 
I  will  not  ask  thee  to  be  calm,  Colonna, — 
Wilt  promise  me,  that  thou  wilt  not  be  mad  1 


Scene  I.]  EVADNE.  47 

Crd.    "VS'hate'er  it  be,  I  will  contain  myself. 
You  said  'twas  somethino:  that  concerned  mine  honour, 
The  lionour  of  mine  house — he  did  not  dare 
To  say  my  blood  should  by  a  foul  attaint 
13e  in  ray  veins  corrupted  ;  from  their  height 
The  mouldering  banners  of  my  family      ^ 
Flung  to  the  earth  ;   the  'scutcheons  of  my  fame 
Trod  by  dishonour's  foot,  and  my  great  race 
Struck  from  the  list  of  nobles  1 

Lud.  No,  Colonna, 
Struck  from  the  list  of  men  ! — he  dared  to  ask 
As  a  condition  for  thy  life,  (my  tongue 
Doth  falter  as  I  speak  it,  and  my  heart 
Can  scarcely  heave,)   by  heavens,  he  dared  to  ask 
That,  to  his  foul  and  impious  clasp,  thou  shouldst 
Yield  up  thy  sister. 

Cot.  Ha! 

Lud.  The  king  doth  set  a  price 
Upon  thy  life,  and  'tis  thy  sister's  honour. 

Col.  My  sister  ! 

Lud.  Ay,  thy  sister ! 

Col.  What ! — my  sister  ! 

Lud.  Yes  ! — your  sister,  sir, — Evadne  ! 

Col.  Evadne  1     Thou  hast  plunged  into  mine  ear 
A  sword  of  fire,  and  draw'st  it  to  and  fro 
Athwart  my  brain — my  sister  ! 

Lad.  Hold,  Colonna  ! 

Col.  By  yon  heaven. 
Though  he  were  born  with  immortality, 
I  will  find  some  way  to  kill  him  ! 
My  sister  ! 

Lud.  Do  not  waste  in  idle  wrath — 

Col.   My  fathers  !  do  you  hear  it  in  the  tomb? 
Do  not  your  mouldering  remnants  of  the  earth 
Feel  horrid  animation  in  the  grave, 
And  strive  to  burst  the  ponderous  sepulchre, 
And  throw  it  off? — My  sister!   oh!   yon  heavens! 
Was  this  reserved  for  me  1  for  me  ! — the  son 
Of  that  great  man  that  tutoied  him  in  arms, 
And  loved  iiim  as  myself? — 1  know  you  wonder 
That  tears  are  dropping  from  my  flaming  eyelids; 
of  a  burning  heart, 


48  EVADNE.  |-AcT  W. 

And  these  are  drops  of  fire. — My  sister! 

Lud.  Now — 
Do  you  now  call  me  traitor  ]     Do  you  think 
'Tw.'is  such  a  crime,  from  off  my  country's  heart 
To  fling  this  ingubus  of  royalty  ? — 
Am  I  a  traitor  •is't  a  sin,  my  loi'd, 
To  think  a  dagger  were  of  use  in  Naples  1 

Col.   Thou  shalt  not  touch  a  solitary  hair 
Upon  the  villain's  head  ! — his  life  is  mine  ; 
His  heart  is  grown  my  property — Ludovico, 
None  kills  him  but  myself! — I  will,  this  moment, 
Amid  the  assembled  court,  in  face  of  day, 
Rush  on  the  monster,  and,  without  a  sword, 
Tear  him  to  pieces  !  [^Going^  X., 

hud.  Nay,  Colonna, 
Within  his  court  he  might  perchance  escape  you — 
But,  if  you  do  incline  to  do  a  deed 
Antiquity  would  envy, — with  the  means 
He  hath  furnished  you  himself! — He  means,  Colonna, 
In  your  own  house  that  you  should  hold  to-night 
A  glorious  revelry,  to  celebrate 
Your  sovereio^n's  sacred  presence  ;  and  so  soon 
As  all  the  guests  are  parted,  you  yourself 
Should  lead  your  sister  to  him — 

CoL  That  1  should 
Convert  the  palace  of  mine  ancestors 
Into  a  place  of  brothelry — myself! — 
Tell  me  no  more,  1  prithee,  if  thou  wouldst 
I  should  be  fit  for  death ! — 

Lud.  In  honour  be 
A  Roman,  an  Italian  in  revenge. 
"  Waste  not,  in  idle  or  tempestuous  sound, 
"  Thy  great  resolve.     The  king  intends  to  bear 
"  The  honour  of  his  presence  to  your  house." — 
Nay,  hold  ! — I'll  tell  him  you  consent — he  straight 
Will  fall  into  the  snare,  and  then,  Colonna, 
Make  offering  of  his  blood  to  thy  revenge  ! 

Col.  I  thank  thee  for  thy  warning — 'tis  well  thought 
on — . 
I'll  make  my  vengeance  certain,  and  commend 
Thy  wisdom  in  the  counselling. 

Lud,  Then,  hie  thee  hence ! 


V   ^NEl.]  LVADXE.  49 

.*. !;d  make  meet  pivparation  for  the  banquet. 
J  11  sti-yigiit  return,   and  tell  him  you're  all  joy 
in  the  honour  of  Ins  coming. 

Col.  The  rigorous  muscles  of  my  clenched  hand 
Already  feel  impatience  for  the  blow 
That  strikes  the  ci owned  monster  to  the  heart. 

[Exeunt,  ColonnO^  l.,  Ludojico^  r. 

END    OI'    ACT    IV 


ACT     V , 

Scene  I. — A  vast  Hall  i/t  Colonna^s  Palace,  filled  with 
Statues. —  The  Moon  streams  in  through  the  Gothic  win- 
dows, and  appears  to  fall  upon  the  Statues.  A  Cham- 
her-door  at  bach. 

Eiiter  LuDOVfco  a7id  the  King,  r. 

Lud.  This  is  the  way,  my  liege.     Colonna  bade  me 
Conduct  you  to  your  chamber,  while  he  went 
To  seek  the  fair  Evadne,  and  conduct 
Her  soft  reluctance  to  your  highness'  arms. 

King.  Ludovico,  thou  hast  proved  thyself  to-day 
The  genius  of  my  happier  destiny  ; 
Thee  must  I  thank,  for  'twas  thy  rarer  wit 
Did  guide  me  on  to  heaven. 

Lud.  [Aside.]  I'll  send  you  there. 

King.   When  first  I  heard  Vicentio  fell  beneath 
The  hot  Colonna's  sword,  I  do  confess, 
It  smote  me  sore  ;  but  now  'tis  told  abroad, 
That  he  hath  passed  all  peril. 

Lud.  I  am  glad 
His  death  doth  not  conduct  you  to  your  joys, 
Vicentio  bears  a  slight,  unhanuing  wound. 
That  sheds  his  blood,  but  perils  not  his  life  ; 
But  let  him  pass — let  not  a  thought  of  him 
Flit  round  the  couch  of  love. 

King.  Good  night,  ray  friend, 
And  pnthee,  bid  Colonna  swiftly  lead  her 
To  the  Expecting  transports  of  my  heart. 
t; 


50  EVA  D.N  E.  [ActV 

Lud.  I  will  bid  him  speed  her  coyness. 

King,  Hie  lliee,    I^udovico, 
For  every  moment  seems  an  age. 

[Exit  into  chamber ^  ii.  u.  E, 

Lud.   An  age  ! 
For  you,  nor  minute,  hour,  nor  day,  nor  year, 
Nor  age,  shall  shortly  be. 

•*  'Tis  now  the  dead  of  night — That  sounds  to  me 
"  Like  an  apt  word, — for  nature  dcth  to  me 
*'  Show  like  a  giant  corse. — This  mighty  world, 
•'  Its  wide  and  highly-vaulted  sepulchre, 
"  And  yonder  moon  a  tomb-lamp  !    when  the  king 
"  Lies  dead  to  boot,  all  things  wHl  then  appear 
"  In  a  more  full  proportion." — Ha  !  he  comes  ! 
My  dull  and  unconscious  instrument  ! — Colonna  ! 

Enter  Colonna,  with  a  ddggcr,  l.  u.  e. 

AVelcome,  my  friend,  for  such  I  dare  to  call  you.— 
The  king's  already  to  his  bed  retired, 
Where  death  will  be  his  paramour. 

Col.  I  have  heard 
Vicentio  was  not  wounded  unto  death — 
Would  this  were  sooner  known  ! 

Lud.   Why,  my  good  lord  I 

Col.  Because  the  king  would  not  have  offered  me 
Such  an  indignity,  nor  should  I  now 
Tread  into  murder. 

L?zd.   Murder! — I  had  hoped 
You  would  not,   on  the  threshold  of  the  deed. 
Stay  tottering  thus — One  would  deem 
It  was  a  deed  of  sin,   and  not  of  honour. 
That  you  had  undertaken. 

CoL  By  yon  heaven, 
1  cannot  stab  him  like  a  slave  that's  hired 
To  be  a  blood-shedder  !   I  cannot  clench 
This  hand,   accustomed  to  a  soldier's  sword, 
Around  this  treacherous  hilt,   and  with  the  other 
Squeeze  the  choked  spirit  from  the  gasping  throat- 
Then  kneel  upon  bis  bosom,   and  press  out 
The  last  faint  sigh  of  life  !      Down,  damned  steel  ! 
Fit  instrument  fur  cowards — [Throtrs  down  the  dagger  net 
R.]   I  will  play 


SrtNK  I.]  kvadm;.  51 

A  warrior's  part,  and  arm  him  for  the  fight  ! — 

Give  me  thy  sword,  that  I  may  put  defence 

Into  the  tyrant's  hand,  and  nobly  kill  him. 

Come  forth  !  [ Go'nig  to  r.  u.  e. 

Lud.  Hold,  madman,  hold! — what  wouldst  thou  do  1 

Col,  Bravely  encounter  him — not  take  his  life 
Like  a  mercenary  stabber. 

Lud.  Hast  thou  thought 
That  he  may  be  tlie  victor,  too  ] 

Col  My  death 
Will  not  be  thought  inglorious. 

Lud.  There's  some  praise 
In  falling  by  the  hand  of  royalty; 
But  when  you  are  laid  within  your  sepulchre, 
And  rot  most  honourably,  then,  I  fear  me, 
A  lesser  shame  will  not  befall  your  house 
For  all  the  graven  marbles  on  your  tomb ! 
Your  sister — 

Col  Ha! 

hud,.  Your  sister  will  not  find, 
When  you  are  dead,  a  bulwark  in  your  grave. 
Where  will  she  find  a  guardian  arm  1 — thine  arm 
Will  be  the  food  of  the  consuming  worm, 
While  in  the  hot  embraces  of  the  king — 

Col  I  did  not  think  on  that. 

Lud.  But  I  perhaps  mistake  you  all  this  while— 
You  have  better  thought  upon  the  dignity 
He  means  your  house. 

Col  You  do  not  dare — 

Lud.  1  dare  to  tell  you  this — 
Who  can  forgive  such  injury  as  thine, 
Hath  half  consented  to  it. — ''  How  is  it 
**  The  glorious  resolve  hath  cooled  within  thee  1 
**  Hath  anything  befallen  that  should  have  blow^n 
"On  the  red  iron  of  thy  heated  wrath, 
"  And  steeped  thee  back  to  meekness  V — Was  the  touch 
Of  his  warm  amorous  hand,  wherein  he.  palmed 
Her  struggling  fingers,  ice  upon  your  rage 
When  he  did  tread  upon  her  yielding  foot 
Beneath  the  cloth  of  gold — 

Col   If  I  had  seen  it, 
I?*j  had  not  lived  an  instant  I 


52  V.VADNE.  -Act  V 

Lvfl.   When  you  turuetl, 
He  flung  his  arms  around,   and  on  Iier  cheek 
11  o  pressed  his  ravenous  lips  ! — 'Sdeath,  sir,  consider — 
You  pray  the  King  of  Naples  to  your  roof, — 
You  hail  his  coming  in  a  feast  that  kings 
Could  scarce  exceed  in  glory — It  is  blown 
Through  all  the  city,  that  he  sleeps  to-night 
Within  your  sister's  bed;   and,  it  is  said, 
That  you,  yourself,  have  smoothed  the  pillow  down. 

CoJ.   Where  is  he  1  let  me  see  him  who  presumes 
To  think  the  blasphemy. 

Lud.  Behold  him  here  ! 
I,  sir — yes,  I — Ludovico,  dare  think 
With   every  man  in  Naples,  if  the  king 
Should  leave  your  roof  with  life,  that  he  has  tasted 
The  fruit  he  came  to  pluck. 

Col.   No  more — no  more- 
He  perishes,  Ludovico  ! 

Lud.  That's  well — 
I  am  glad  to  see  you  pull  into  your  heart 

[Crosses  and  tal-es  up  the  dagger. 
Its  brave  resolve  again — and  if  there  be 
Aught  wanting  to  confirm  thee,  think,   Colonna, 
Think  that  you  give  your  country  liberty, 
AVhile  you  revenge  yourself! — Go,  my  Colonna — 
Yonder's  the  fated  chamber — plunge  the  steel 

[Gives  the  dagger  to  Colonna. 
Into  his  inmost  heart,  and  let  the  blood 
Flow  largely. 

Col.  I'll  call  to  thee  when  it  is  done. 

Lud.  Hark  thee  !  he'll  cry  for  life — and  well  I   know 
The  pleadino^  for  existence  may  have  power 
Upon  thy  noble  nature — then,  Colonna, 
Drown  every  shriek  with  chaste  Evadne's  name, 
And  stab  him  as  thou  criest  it !  [Exit,  r.  u.  e. 

[Colonna  advances  towards  the  chamber  door,  c. 

CoL  I  will  do  it ! — he  dies  ! 

[Pushes  the  dour,  and  Jinds,  from  his  agitated  condi- 
tion, that  it  is  difficult  to  move. 
•*  I  can  scarce  move  the  door — it  will  not  yield ! 
**  It  seems  as  if  some  mighty  hand  were  laid 
**  Against  it  lo  /epel  me." 


ScEWt:  I.] 


EVADNE,  53 


[Voice  exclaims,  i,.  u.  e.]  Hold  ! 

Col.  [Starting.]   It  was  only 
My  thought  informed  the  air  with  voice  around  me*— 
"  Why  should  I  feel  as  if  I  walked  in  guilt, 
"  And  tnid  to  common  murder" — he  shall  die  ! 
Come,  then,  enraging  thought,  into  my  breast, 
And  turn  it  into  iron  ! 

[  Voice,  L.  u.  E.J   Hold  ! 

Col.   It  shot 
With  keen  reality  into  mine  ear. 
A  figure  in  the  shad(nv  of  the  moon, 
Moves  slowly  on  my  sight. 
What  art  thou  1 

EvADNE  advances,  l.  u.  e.,  /'ro7n  behind  the  Statues. 

Eta.   My  brother  ! 

Col.  How,  my  sister! 
Come  you  across  my  purpose  1 

Eva.  From  my  chamber 
That  to  the  great  hall  leads,  I  did  behold  you. 
In  dreadful  converse  with  Ludovico. — 
Your  looks  at  the  banquet  did  unto  my  fears 
Forbode  no  blessed  issue,  for  your  smiles 
Seemed  veils  of  death,  and  underneath  your  brows 
I  saw  the  silent  furies. — "  Oh,   Colonna, — 
"  Thank  heaven,  the  safety  of  Vicentio 
"  Has  given  me  power  to  watch  your  dangerous  steps  !* 
What  would  you  do  1  ^ 

Col.  Get  thee  to  rest.  ^ 

Eva.   Is  that  high  front,  Colonna, 
One  to  write  Cain  upon? — Alas,  Colonna, 
I  did  behold  you  with  Ludovico, 
By  yonder  moon,  and  I  as  soon  had  seen  thee 
Commune  with  the  great  foe  of  all  mankind — 
What  wouldst  thou  do  ? 

Col.  Murder! 

Eva.   What  else,   Colonna, 
Couldst  thou  have  learned  from  Ludovico  ? 

Col.  In  yonder  chamber  lies  the  king — I  go 
To  stab  him  to  the  heart ! 

Eva.   '  fis  nobly  done  ! 
I  will  not  call  him  king — but  guest,  Colonna — 


54  EVADNE.  [Act  V, 

Remember,  you  have  called  him  here — remember, 
You  have  pledged  Ijim  in  your  father's  golden  cup  ; 
Have  broken  bread  ^vith  him — the  man,  Colonna — 

Col.  Who  dares  to  set  a  price  upon  my  life — 
What  think'st  thou  'twas  ] 

Eva,  I  think  there's  naught  too  dear 
To  buy  Colonna's  Hfe. 

Col.  'Twas  a  vast  price 
He  asked  me,  then — you  were  to  pay  it,  too — 
It  vv^as  mv  Evadne's  honour. 

Eva.  Ha  ! 

Col.  He  gives  my  life  upon  condition — Oh,  my  sister, 
I  am  ashamed  to  tell  thee  what  he  asked. 

"  Eva,  What  !   did  he  1" 

Col.  Thou  dost  understand  me  now  ? 
Now,  if  thou  wilt,  abide  thee  here,  Evadne, 
Where  thou  mayest  hear  his  groan.  [Going  in, 

Eva.  Oh  !   my  dearest  brother. 
Let  not  this  hand,  this  pure,  this  white,  fair  hand. 
Be  blotted  o'er  with  blood. 

Col.  [Aside.]   How  is  this  ]     She  seems 
To  bear  too  much  of  woman  in  her  heart ; 
She  trembles — yet  she  does  not  slirink — her  cheek 
Is  not  inflamed  with  anger,  and  her  eye 
Darts  not  the  lightning  ! 
Is  it  possible 

She  has  t^en  the  sinful  wish  into  her  heart  1 
By  heaven,  her  pride  is  dazzled  at  the  thought 
Of  having  this  same  purple  villain  kneel, 
Aud  bend  his  crown  before  her — She's  a  woman  ! 
Evadne  ! 

Eva.   Weil? 

Col.  The  king  expects  me  t(^ 
Conduct  you  to  his  chamber — Shall  I  do  so  ? 

Eva.   1  prithee,  be  not  angry  at  my  orayer — 
But  bid  him  come  to  me. 

Col.   What,  bid  him  come  to  thee? 

Eva.  And  leave  me  with  him  here. 

Col.  What!  leave  thee  with  him? 

Eva.  Yes,   I  implore  it  of  tliee — prithee,  Colonna, 
Conduct  my  sovereign  here. 

Col.   \  Aside. \   Yes — I  will  try  her — 


ScEJrv;     1  EVADNE.  55 

I  knov^  not  what  she  means,  but,  hitherto, 
I  deemed  her  vittuous.     If  she  fall,  she  dies, 
rn  here  coticeal  myself,  and  if  in  word 
She  give  consent,    I'll  rush  upon  them  both 
And  strike  one  heart  through  the  other. 

Eva.  Send  him  to  me. 

Col.  [Aside.]   There's  a  wild  puipose   in  her  solemn 
eye — 
I  know  not  if  'tis  sin,  but  I  will  make 
A  terrible  experiment. — [Aside.]    What,  ho  ! 
My  liege,   I  bear  fulfilment  of  my  promise — 
Colonna  bears  Evadne  to  your  arms  ! 

Enter  the  \\.isg  froin  the  chamher,  m.  d. 

King.  Colonna,  my  best  friend,  how  shall  I  thank  thee  \ 
But  where  is  my  Evadne  ? 

Col.  There,  my  lord  ! 

King.  Colonna,   I  not  only  give  thee  life, 
But  place  thee  near  myself;  hencefo?th  thoa  wilt  wear 
A  nobler  title  in  thy  family, — 
And  to  thy  great  posterity  we'll  send 
My  granted  dukedom. 

Col.  Sir,  you  honour  me. 
My  presence  is  no  longer  needed  here. 
[Aside.]   A  word's  c-onsent  despatches  them  \ 

[Conceals  himself  hehind.  the 'pillarn^'^   U   g. 

King.  My  fair  Evadne  !   lay  aside  thy  sad      ^^ 
And  diooping  aspect,  in  this  hour  of  joy  ! 
Stoop  not  tliy  head,  that  like  a  pale  rose  bends 
Upon  its  yielding  stalk — thou  hast  no  cause 
For  such  a  soft  abashment,  for  be  sure 
I'll  [)lace  thee  high  in  hcjuour. 

Era.  Eon  our,  sir  ! 

King,  (r.)  Yes;   I'll  exalt  the«  into  dignity, 
Adorn  thy  name  with  titles — All  my  court 
Shall  watch  the  movement  of  thy  countenance, 
Riches  ai  d  power  shall  wait  upon  thy  smile, 
And  in  the  lightest  bending  of  thy  brow. 
Death  and  disgrace  inhabit. 

Eva.  And,   my  liege, 
That  will  iidiabit  my  own  heait  1 

King.  Mv  love  ! 


56  KVADXE.  [Act  Y 

Come,  my  Evadne — what  a  form  is  here! 

The  imaginers  of  beauty  did  of  old 

O'er  three  rich  forms  of  sculptured  excellence 

Scatter  the  naked  graces  ;   but  the  hand 

Of  mightier  nature  hath  in  thee  combined 

All  varied  charms  together. 

Era.  You  were  speaking 
Of  sculpture,  sir — I  do  remember  me, 
You  are  deemed  a  worshipper  of  that  high  art. 
Here,  my  lord,  [Pointing  to  the  Statues^ 

Is  matter  for  your  transports  ! 

King.  Fail-  Evadne  1 
Do  you  not  mean  to  mock  me  ?     Not  to  gaze 
On  yonder  lifeless  marbles,  did  I  come 
To  visit  you  to-night,  but  in  the  pure 
And  blue-veined  alabaster  of  a  breast, 
Jlicher  than  heaves  the  Parian  that  has  wed 
The  Florentine  to  immortality. 

Era.  You  deem  me  of  a  light,  capricious  mood, 
But  it  were  hard  if  (woman  as  I  am) 
]  could  not  use  ray  sex's  privilege — 
Though  I  should  ask  you  for  yon  orb  of  light. 
That  shines  so  brightly,  and  so  sadly  there, 
And  fills  the  ambient  air  with  purity — 
Should  you  not  fain,  as  'tis  the  wont  of  those 
Vv'ho  cheat  a  wayward  child,  to  draw  it  down, 
.And  in  ik|^sheeted  splendour  of  a  stream 
To  catches  shivering  brightness  ! — It  is  my  pleasure 
That  you  should  look  upon  these  reverend  tornis 
That  keep  the  likeness  of  nnne  ancestry — 
I  must  enforce  you  to  it ! — 

King.   Wayward  woman  ! 
\\''hnt  arts  does  s'^o  intend  to  captivate 
My  soul  more  deeply  in  her  toils  1 

Era.  Behold  !  [Going  to  a  statue^  r.  s.  b 

Tiie  f^lorious  founder  of  ray  family  ! 
It  is  the  great  Rodolpho  ! — Charlemagne 
Did  fix  that  sun  upon  iiis  shield,  to  be 
}-[is  glory's  blazoned  emblem  ;  for  at  noon, 
When  the  astronomer  cannot  discern 
A  spot  upon  the  full-orbed  disk  of  light, 
'lis  i5ot  more  b;  tjl.t  iban  \\\<,  immaculate  name! 


Scene  I.]  EVADNE.  ^7 

With  what  austere  and  dignified  regard 
He  lifts  the  type  of  purity,  and  seems 
Indignantly  to  ask,  if  anght  that  springs 
From  blood  of  his,  shall  dare  to  sully  it 
With  a  vapour  of  the  morning  ! 

King.  It  is  well  ; 
His  frown  has  been  attempered  in  the  lapse 
Of  generations,  to  thy  lovely  smile. — 
I  swear,  he  seems  not  of  thy  family. 
My  fair  Evadne,   I  confess,   I  hoped 
Another  sr)rt  of  entertainment  here. 

Eca.  Another  of  mine  ancestors,  my  liege — 

[Pointing  to  a  statue   l.  u.  b 
Guelfo,  the  murderer  ! 

King.   The  murderer  ! 
I  knew  not  that  your  family  was  stained 
With  the  reproach  of  blood. 

Edcj.   We  are  not  wout 
To  blush,  though  we  may  sorrow  for  his  sin, 
If  sin  indeed  it  be.      His  castle  walls 
Were  circled  by  the  siege  of  Saracens, — 
He  had  an  only  daughter,  whom  he  prized 
More  than  you  hold  your  diadem  ;  but  when 
He  sav\^  the  fury  of  the  infi.'lels 

Burst  through  his  shattered  gates,  and  on  his  child 
Dishonour's  hand  was  lifted,  with  one  blow 
He  struck  her  to  the  heart,   and  with  the  other,    ^ 
He  stretched  himself  beside  her. 

King.  Fair  Evadne, 
i  must  no  more  indulge  you,  ^Ise,  1  fear, 
Vou  would  scorn  me  f  >r  my  patience  ;  prithee,  love, 
No  more  of  this  wild  phantasy  ! 

Era.   My  liege, 
But  one  remains,  snd  when  you  have  looked  upon  it. 
And  thus  complied  with  my  reqnest,  you  will  find  me 
Submissive  to  your  own.      Look  here,   my  lord, — 
Know  you  this  statue  ?  [Pointing  to  a  statue,  l.  s.  e« 

King.   No,  in  sooth,  I  do  not. 

Eva.  Nay — lo.)k  again — for  I  shall  think  but  ill 
Of  princely  memories,  if  you  can  find 
vVithin  the  inmost  chambers  of  your  heart 
No  image  like  to  this — look  at  that  smile-^ 


5S  EVA  ONE.  'Act  V 

That  smik',  my  liege — look  at  it ! 

Kif*g.   It  is  your  father  ! 

Era.  [B/ea/ci/ig  inio  exulfafion.j 
Ay  ! — 'tis  indeed  my  father  ! — 'tis  my  good, 
Exalted,   generous,   and  god-like  father  ! 
Whose  iiiemory,  though  iie  had  left  his  child 
A  naked,  h(juse]e;;s  roamer  through  the  world, 
Were  an  inheritance  a  princess  might 
Be  proud  of  for  her  dower  !     It  is  my  father  ! 
Whose  like  in  honour,  virtue,  and  the  fine 
Integrity  that  cont^titutes  a  man, 
He  hath  not  left  behind  him  !   there's  that  smile, 
That,  like  per[)etual  day-light,  shone  about  him 
The  clear  and  bright  magnificence  of  soul ! 
Who  was  my  father] 

[  Wifk  a  2)fOnd  and  conscious  interrogatory 

King.  One,  whom  I  confess 
Of  higli  and  many  virtues. 

Era.  Is  that  all  1 
I  will  help  your  memory,  and  tell  you,  first, 
That  the  late  King  of  Na])les  looked  among 
The  noblest  in  his  realm  for  that  good  man, 
To  whom  he  might  intrust  your  opening  youth. 
And  f  )und  h'm  worthiest.     In  the  eagle's  nest, 
Early  he  placed  you,  and  beside  his  wing 
You  le'arnod  lo  mount  to  gh)ry  !      Underneath 
His  pr^Jfcous  care  you  grew,  and  you  were  once 
Thought  grateful  for  his  service.      His  whole  life 
Was  friven  to  your  uses,  and  his  death —       [Ki/}g  starts 
Ha!   do  you  start,  my  lord  1     On  Milan's  plain 
He  fought  beside  you,  and  when  he  beheld 
A  sword  thrust  at  your  bosom,  rushed — it  pierced  him 
He  fell  down  at  your  feet, — he  did,  my  lord  ! 
He  perished  to  ]>reserve  you  ! — \Rt'S/<es  to  the  s'afve.]-' 

Breathless  imago, 
Alihough  no  heart  doth  beat  within  that  breast. 
No  blf)od  is  in  those  veins,  let  me  enclasp  thee, 
And  feel  thee  at  my  bosom. — Now,  sir,    I  am  ready — 
Come  and  unloose  these  feeble  arms,  and  take  me  !— * 
Ay,  take  me  from  this  neck  of  senseless  stone, — 
And  to  reward  the  father  with  the  meet 
And  wonted  recompense  that  princes  give — ' 


ScFwr.  L]  EVAUNF:.  59 

Make  me  as  fi)ul  as  bloated  pestilence, 
As  bl-ack  as  darkest  midnight,   and  as  vile 
As  guilt  and  shame  can  make  me. 

Kfftg.  She  has  smitten 
Compunction  through  my  soul  ! 

Era.  Approach,   wy  lord  ! 
Come,  in  the  midst  of  all  mine  ancestry, 
Come,  and  unloose  me  from  my  father's  arms — 
Come,  if  you  dare,  and  in  his  daughter's  shame. 
Reward  him  for  the  last  drops  of  the  blood 
Shed  for  his  prince's  life  !  — 

King.   Tliou  hast  wrought 
A  miracle  upon  thy  prince's  heart, 
And  lifted  up  a  vestal  lamp,  to  show 
My  soul  its  own  deformity — my  guilt  ! 

Ei'ri.   [Disengaging  her  self  from  the  statue.] 
Ha  !  have  you  got  a  soul  1 — have  you  yet  left, 
Prince  as  you  are,  one  relic  of  a  man  '\ 
Have  you  a  soul  ? — He  tnembles — he  relents — 
T  read  it  in  the  glimmering  of  his  face  ; 
And  there's  a  tear,  the  bursting  evidence 
Of  nature's  holy  working  in  the  heart ! 
Oh,  heav'n,  he  weeps  !   my  sovereign,  ray  liege  ! 
Heart !   do  not  burst  in  ecstacy  too  soon  ! 
My  brother  !   my  Colonna  ! — hear  me — hear  ! 
In  all  tlie  wilderlng  triumph  of  my  soul, 
I  call  upon  thee  !      [Tirrni/ig,  s'le  pcrceiccs  CoJonna  jdvan* 

ring  from  among  the  statues,  r.  u.  k. 
There  he  is — my  brother  ! 

Col.  (c.)    Let  me  behold  tliee. 
Let  me  compress  thee  here  ! — Oh,  my  dear  sister  ! 
A  thousand  times  mine  own  ! — I  glory  in  thee, 
More  than  in  all  the  heroes  of  my  name  ! — 
1  overheard  your  converse,  and  methought 
It  was  a  blessed  spirit  that  had  ta'en 
Thy  heaveidy  form,  to  show  the  wondering  world 
How  beautiful  was  virtue  ! — [To  the  King.\   Sir, — 

Eva.   (i..)   Colonna., 
There  is  your  king  ! 

CoJ.  Thou  hast  made  him  so  again  ! 
Tliv  virtue  hath  re  crowned  him — and  1  kneel 
ilia  faithful  subject  here  ! 


60  KVADNE.  [;Act  V 

King,  (r.)   Arise,  Colonna ! 
You  take  the  attitude  that  more  befits 
The  mail  who  would  have  wronged  you,  but  whose  heart 
Was  by  a  seraph  called  again  to  heaven  ! 
Forgive  me  ! 

CoK  Yes,  with  all  my  soul  I  do  ! 
And  I  will  give  you  proof  how  suddenly 
You  are  grown  my  prince  again. — Do  not  inquire 
What  I  intend,  but  let  me  lead  you  here, 
Behind  these  statues. — 

\ Places  the  Ki2ig  behind  the  Statues,  r.  u.  e. 
Retire,  my  best  Evadne  !  \Exit  EvadnCt  l. 

Ho  !   i^udovico ! 
What,  ho  !  there  ! — Here  he  comes  ! 

Enter  Ludovico,  l. 

Ludovico, 

1  have  done  the  deed. — 

Ei/d.  He  is  dead  1 

Col.  Through  his  heart, 
E'en  as  thou  badest  me,  did  I  drive  the  steel, 
And  as  he  cried  for  life,  Evadne's  name 
Drowned  his  last  .shriek  ! 

L?.fd.  So  ! 

Col.  Why,   Ludovico, 
Stand  you  thus  i-apl  ]     Why  does  your  bosom  heave 
In  such  wild  tumult  ?     Why  is  it  you  place 
Your  haiid  upon  your  front  ?     What  hath  possessed  you  1 

Lud.   \  W/f//  a  strong  hiugh  of  ironi/.]   Fool  ! 

(  V.'Z.  How  is  this  1 

Lad.  So,  thou  hast  slain  the  king'? 

CV.   I  did  but  follow  your  advice,  my  lord. 

Vtfd.  '!'i;crefore,   I   call   ye — fool  ! — From    the  king's 
he-i(l, 
Thou  liMst  !:i'en  the  crown,  to  ])lace  it  on  mine  own  ! 
'i'herefore  i  touched  my  front,  for  I  did  think 
'J'har,  palpably,    I  felt  the  diadem 
Wreathing  its  golden  round  about  my  brovv^  ! 
But,   by  yon  heaven,  sv-arce  do  I  feel  more  joy 
In  climbing  up  to  empire,  than  I  do 
In  knowing  thee  my  dupe  ! 

Co'.   T  know,  my  lord, 
Y(JM  bade  me  kiil  the  king. 


SCKNE  I.]  EVADNE.  61 

Lud.  And  since  thou  hast  slain  him, 
Know  more — *tvvas  I  that  first  within  his  heart 
Lighted  impurity  ; — 'twas  I,  Colonna, — 
Hear  it — 'twas  1  that  did  persuade  the  king 
To  ask  thy  sister's  honour,  as  the  price 
Of  thine  accorded  life  ! 

Col.  Youl— 

hud.   Would'st  hear  more  ? 
To-morrow  sees  me  king!   I  have  already 
Prepared  three  thousand  of  my  followers 
To  call  me  to  the  throne — and  when  I  am  there, 
I'll  try  thee  for  the  murdering  of  the  king, — 
And  then — What,  ho,   there  !     Guards  ! — then,  my  good 

lord, 
When  the  good  trenchant  axe  hath  struck  away 
That  dull  and  passionate  head  of  thine — What,  ho! — 

Enter  Officer  and  eight  Guards,  r. 

I'll  take  the  fair  Evadne  to  mine  arms, 

And  thus — 

On  yonder  traitor  seize  ! — 

With  sacrilegious  hand,  he  has  ta'en  away 

The  consecrated  life  of  majesty, 

And— 

The  King  comes  forward  in  c,  r.  u.  e. 

W^hat  do  I  behold  ?  is  not  my  sense 

Mocked  with  this  horrid  vision, 

That  hath  started  up 

To  make  an  idiot  of  me  1 — is  it  not 

The  vapour  of  the  senses  that  has  framed 

The  only  spectacle  that  ever  yet 

Appalled  Ludovico  1 

King.  Behold  thy  king! 

Lud.  He  lives  ! — I  am  betrayed — but  let  mo  not 
Play  traitor  to  myself: — befriend  me  still, 
Thou  guarding  genius  of  Ludovico! 
My  Hege,  my  royal  master,  do  I  see  you 
Safe  from  the  plots  of  yon  accursed  traitor  ? 
And  throwing  thus  myself  arouni  your  knees* 
])o  I  clasp  reality  1 

King'  Traitor,  arise ! 


62  CrADNE  ActV. 

Nor  dare  pollute  my  garment  with  a  tcuch  ! 
I  know  thee  for  a  villain  ! — Seize  him,  Guards  ! 

Lud.   [Drawing  /lis  sword.]  By  this  right  arm,  they  daie 
not — this  riglit  arm, 
That  to  the  battle  oft  hath  led  them  on,  ^ 

Whose  power  to  kill  they  know,  but  would  not  feel! — 
1  am  betrayed — but  who  will  dare  to  leap 
Into  the  pit  wherein  the  lion's  caught, 
And  hug  with  him  for  death  1     Not  one  of  this 
Vile  herd  of  trembling  wretches  ! 
[To  Ki}/g.\   Thou  art  meet  alone  to  encounter  me, 
And  thus,  in  the  wild  bravery  of  despair, 
1  rush  into  thy  life  ! 

[Co'onna  intercepts  and  stabs  him — he  fallt, 
Colonna,  thou  hast  conqu.ered. 
Oh,  that  1  could, 

Like  an  expiring  dragon,  spit  upon  you  ! — 
That  1  could — thus  1  fling  the  drops  of  life 
In  showers  of  poison  on  you — May  it  fall 
Like  Centaur-blood,  and  fester  you  to  madne-ss  ! 
Oh  !  that  I  could — 

\Grasps  his  sword,  and,  in  an  effort  to  rise,  dies. — Shouts 
icithout,  R.  u.  E. 

[  Voices  icithout.]  Vicentio  !      The  lord  Vicentio  ! 

Enter  Vicentio,  r. — Eradne,  as  she  comes  forward,   utters 
a  shriek  of  joy  y  and  rushes  to  his  arms. 

Vic.  And  do  I  clasp  thee  thus  1     Oh,  joy  unlooked-}  ^ 

Eva.  Vicentio !  my  brother,  too  ! 

King.  Thou  bast  a  second  time  preserved  thy  prince  ! 
Fair  Evadne, 

We  will  repair  our  injuries  to  thee, 
And  wait,  in  all  the  jjomp  of  royalty, 
Upon  the  sacred  day  that  gives  thy  hand 
To  thy  beloved  Vicentio  ! 

Col.  And  the  nuptials 
Shall  at  the  pedestal  be  solemnized, 
Of  our  gieat  father  ! 

Evd.  And  ever,  as  in  this  blest  moment,  may 
His  guardian  sjiiiit;   with  celestial  love. 
Spread  its  bright  wings  to  shelter  us  from  ill, 


ScElfB  I.]  EVADNK,  63 

With  nature's  tcnderest  feelings  looking  clown, 
Benignant  on  the  fortunes  of  his  child  ! 

DISPOSITION  OF  THE  CHARACTERS  AT  THE  FALL  OF 
THE  CURTAIN. 

Officer.  Ludovico's  Body.  Guards. 

COLONNA.  VlCENTIO.  E\ADffE.  KiNO 

»•]  [L. 

THE    END 


